Ad Campaigns
Kalyan Jewellers to withdraw ‘racist’ ad featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
MUMBAI: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is in the line of fire over a print advertisement for Kalyan Jewellers featuring her.
Aishwarya faced the fury of activists for the “offensive” advertisement that shows a dark child carrying an umbrella over her head. However the actress has said that the actual image was changed by the brand.
As a result of this, Kalyan Jewellers is in the process of withdrawing this creative from its campaign. In an official statement, the jewellery brand said, “This creative was intended to present royalty, timeless beauty and elegance. If we have, inadvertently, hurt the sentiments of any individual or organization, we deeply regret the same.”
A group comprising a feminist activist, a former chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights among others wrote an open letter to slam the actress’ print ad, which they felt also promoted child labour.
“We wish to convey our dismay at the concept of this advertisement, and that you have, perhaps unthinkingly, associated with such a regressive portrayal of a child to sell a product,” read the open letter.
“As an influential member of the Indian film industry and a popular star with a large fan following, we trust that you wish to use your image in a manner that promotes progressive thought and action, and would not knowingly promote regressive images that are racist and go against child rights,” it further read.
Replying to the open letter, Aishwarya issued a statement saying, “On the onset we would like to thank you on drawing our attention to the observation of the perception of the advertisement. Here is an attachment of the shot taken by somebody during the shoot. The final layout of the ad is entirely the prerogative of the creative team for a brand. However, shall forward your article as a viewpoint that can be taken into consideration by the creative team of professional working on the brand visual communication. Thank you once again.”
It may be recalled that Aishwarya along with her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan endorses Kalyan Jewellers and the two were recently in Chennai to inaugurate the brand’s new store.
Ad Campaigns
Indian Silk House Agencies launches ‘Shubho Smriti’ PoilaBoishakh campaign
Brand celebrates Bengali New Year with stories of 100 women and their saree memories.
MUMBAI: Indian Silk House Agencies has woven a beautiful new story for PoilaBoishakh, one stitched together with memories, emotions, and the timeless elegance of a saree. The leading saree retailer has unveiled ‘Shubho Smriti’, a digital-first campaign that brings together the voices of 100 women sharing their personal celebrations of the Bengali New Year. The campaign highlights how the saree remains an essential thread in these evolving traditions, from daughters gifting their mothers after years of quiet sacrifice to sarees passed down through generations carrying decades of love.
Indian Silk House Agencies CEO Darshan Dudhoria said, “What gives any tradition its relevance over time are the memories people attach to it. For over five decades, we have been closely connected to this cultural fabric. This campaign came from a simple intent to listen to these stories of our customers and bring them together.”
To mark the occasion, the brand has launched a dedicated PoilaBoishakh collection featuring handwoven textiles such as Matka silk and Jamdani, along with classic reds and whites, softer seasonal hues, and brighter options. The collection starts at ₹999 and is now available online and in stores across Eastern India.
By blending cultural nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, Indian Silk House Agencies has created more than just a campaign, it has turned personal memories into a shared celebration of tradition, emotion, and timeless style.
This PoilaBoishakh, the brand reminds us that the most beautiful things in life are often the ones we weave into our own stories, one elegant drape at a time.
