Hindustan Unilever Limited is facing backlash on micro-blogging site Twitter after one of its advertisement showcased Kumbh Mela as a place where “old people get abandoned” by their family members. People are criticising HUL over this campaign of Brooke Bond Red Label Tea and #BoycottHindustanUnilever is trending on Twitter.
Seeing the negative response, HUL has taken down the video titled “heartwarming video; an eye opener to a harsh reality,” and the same video has been posted with a new title: “RedLabelChai encourages us to hold the hands of those who made us who we are. Watch the heart-warming video.”
Old tweet:
New tweet:
.@RedLabelChai encourages us to hold the hands of those who made us who we are. Watch the heart-warming video #ApnoKoApnao pic.twitter.com/P3mZCsltmt
— Hindustan Unilever (@HUL_News) March 7, 2019
Talking about the ad, HUL has shown a son trying to abandon his father but after seeing the bonding of another “father-son”, he returns back to his father and brings a cup of tea for him. In the end, a message appears saying: “Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. At this gathering, many elderly are abandoned by their families.” The message further says “This Kumbh, let’s hold the hands of those who made us who we are.”
Reactions from the public:
1.
https://twitter.com/anuraag_saxena/status/1103522082875334657
2.
Of the #HUL brands, I found I've already left most of them. Their products—Lux, Ponds and that grotesque fraud called "Fair and Lovely" are toxic. Don't choose cancer. #BoycottHindustanUnilever
Reply with a brand you still use of theirs, and/or suggest the alternatives.— Sankrant Sanu सानु संक्रान्त ਸੰਕ੍ਰਾਂਤ ਸਾਨੁ (@sankrant) March 7, 2019
3.
https://twitter.com/kallgorr/status/1103511435341111298
4.
Looks like @HUL_News has deleted the video. But you see we know ur brands. As such I don't use 90 % of these. Balance brands also I am going to stop. Sharing this with all my family circles. Enough of Hindu insults by ur company. There is a limit. #BoycottHindustanUnilever https://t.co/oZKypnmhwM
— krithika sivaswamy (@krithikasivasw) March 7, 2019
5.
What in the f@$%ing hell is this? They have tried doing this before in thier ads too- show hindus as radicals whereas the good Muslim 'neighbour' is all about friendship and goodwill. @HUL_News you have crossed the line this time-just get lost #BoycottHindustanUnilever
— whoknows (@topofhimalay) March 7, 2019
What are your thoughts over this? Do let us know in the comments section.
