Lagaan actor reacts to backlash over controversial Zomato ‘garbage’ ad; ‘I will think twice before signing..’

Zomato is known for its fast and efficient delivery, but also for its witty marketing strategies. From quirky pop-up text to innovative television commercials, the food delivery giant has taken the internet by storm with its offerings. The new ad was no different on the occasion of World Environment Day.

This time, the internet took off for all the wrong reasons. The new ad featured Lagaan actor Aditya Lakhia who played the role of a young boy named ‘Kachra’. The ad draws parallels from the film to show how ‘garbage’ can be recycled in a number of ways and save many resources.

However, Twitter alleged that the ad was ‘casteist’ as the name Garbage was given to a young boy in the film who belonged to the oppressed ‘untouchable’ community. Aditya Lakhia, featured in the ad, has now reacted to the controversy. He not only apologized but revealed that the incident would serve as a lesson for him before taking up advertising offers in future.

how dare @zomato The most casteist Dalit character has the audacity to make an ad with garbage and literally turn it into garbage in the name of environmentalism? SC/ST Act should be registered against the makers of this ad, as well as caste sensitivity and representation in Zomato pic.twitter.com/s1JQhQFbII

— Sankul Sonawane (@Sankul333) June 8, 2023

See also: Zomato gets Rs 2000 notes on 72% of CoD orders after RBI order; Internet serves up rib tickling memes

in an interview with News18Aditya Lakhia accepted the fate of the controversial ad before adding that it was supposed to send a positive message about recycling. He also pointed out that neither he nor the team predicted the turn of events and accepted that nothing could be done about it.

I will also say that if it has hurt a section of people and if an apology is needed, I will give it. What can I say as an actor,” Lakhia added. Lakhia also clarified that he accepted the advertisement offer because of the positive nature of the campaign and not for the money. ”So it was a positive campaign that clearly backfired. Wasn’t it to backfire… Now I will think twice before signing any endorsements,” he said.

Casteist idea by Zomato for making an advertisement and humiliating a marginalized character “garbage”. pic.twitter.com/nrXB2UF60R

— Harsh (@_ambedkarite) June 6, 2023

See also: ‘What nonsense is this’: Zomato sparks Twitter debate over alleged casteist ‘garbage’

Soon after the backlash, Zomato shared a tweet apologizing to users and took down the video.

On World Environment Day, our intention was to spread awareness about the potential of plastic waste and the benefits of recycling in a humorous way.

Unknowingly, we may have hurt the sentiments of some communities and individuals. We have taken down the video.

— Zomato (@zomato) June 8, 2023

Cover Image: Source