Indian ad receives flak for promoting violence against men

An ad featuring Sanjana Sanghi is earning flak for “promoting violence against men,” leaving Pooja Bedi ‘absolutely horrified', reported the Hindustan Times.

The ad features Sanjana along with another actor as the two play a couple trying to figure out which film to watch on a streaming app. Sanjana slaps the man eight times before he finally tells her to stop. She then tells him that they will watch the eighth film on the list.

“Are you going this crazy while picking what to watch? We have a solution for your confusion!” it goes on to say, following which it promotes the app. It instantly sparked furor, and a critical reaction from fellow actor Pooja Bedi.

Pooja took to Twitter to mention how she was ‘absolutely horrified’ with the ad. “Absolutely horrified by watching this ad, domestic violence against men is NOT acceptable. What if a man was slapping a woman in this ad? This should never have gotten clearance from the advertising board! #Menhaverights,” she wrote.

Others also echoed Pooja’s sentiments. “I just spotted this and it’s absolutely disgusting. Who are these people who can like think this? This team where one can share this idea and get internal approvals to pitch to their client and the client who approves it? The companies involved in their teams – who are these people,” read a tweet. “Strengthening and empowering women does not mean this crap. It’s equal opportunity, respect and love for both,” read another.

A few Twitter users also tagged The Advertising Standards Council of India, asking them to take the ad down. “Thank you for tagging us, we are already processing the complaint against this advertisement,” ASCI replied to one complaint.

Sanjana made her film debut this year with Dil Bechara. It also marked late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s final, posthumous release.

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