The Indian company Dabur, which makes beauty creams, withdrew an advertisement about a lesbian couple celebrating Karwa Chauth after online trolling and Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra’s threat, reports NDTV.
In its statement, the company said: “Fem’s Karwa Chauth campaign has been withdrawn from social media handles and we unconditionally apologise for unintentionally hurting people’s sentiments.”
Mishra slammed the ad and said, “In future, they will show two men taking ‘feras’ (marrying each other according to Hindu rituals).” According to him, the police had ordered the company to withdraw the ad.
“And if it fails to do so, take legal steps after examining the advertisement,” the minister added.
While there was praise for the ad as well, some objected to the ad for promoting fairness. One person wrote: “Why doesn’t Dabur or whoever comes up with similar ads for Xmas or Eid or any other festival? Why target Hindu festivals?”
Actress Pooja Bhatt, while reacting to the ad tweeted: “Pity a giant like Dabur refused to stand behind their AD. While I don’t endorse a fairness cream in principle I reserved my comment as they attempted to celebrate Inclusivity and Pride. So why hide now?”
