Right on the heels of Prachi Nigam's commendable performance topping the Uttar Pradesh board class 10 exams, a gesture by Bombay Shaving Company in her favor has sparked a large-scale social media response. The company's 'Never Get Bullied' campaign featuring Prachi Nigam, who was trolled for facial hair, backfired following Saturday's announcement of UP board exam results, leading to her online harassment over facial hair.
Netizens immediately condemned the coarse and uncivil comments, criticizing the arbitrary beauty standards imposed on women. Days later, Bombay Shaving Company chose to publish a full-page ad in a newspaper in support of Prachi, which went viral on social media and led to considerable trolling of the company. Several social media users suggested that Prachi "sue the company" for their actions.
What did the ad say?
The ad displayed a message for Prachi Nigam saying, "Dear Prachi, today they troll you for your hair, tomorrow they will celebrate your A.I.R (All India Rank)." However, the last line of the advertisement sparked controversy: "We hope you never feel troubled to use our razor."
CEO Also Posts on Social Media
Shortly after Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, shared a picture of the advertisement on LinkedIn, social media users wondered if Prachi Nigam could sue the company for using her name without consent.
In explaining the company's intent behind the ad, Deshpande said, "The hatred for a young girl, top of her exams, based on her facial hair was shocking."
Sharp Reactions from Social Media Users
One social media user critiqued Deshpande's statements, calling the advertisement a "low-quality" example. Sharing a screenshot of Deshpande's post, the user wrote, "What happened to the founders? This is such a low-grade advertisement from Bombay Shaving Company."
Another commented, "Marketing under the guise of a 'message.' Can Prachi Nigam demand brand endorsement fees for cunningly using her name and struggle in the cleverly crafted copy by Bombay Shaving?"
Source: aajtak
Another social media user urged Prachi Nigam to sue Bombay Shaving Company for using her name without her consent.
Source: aajtak
Another user remarked, "The final section of the Bombay Shaving Company's front-page ad supporting Prachi facing social media trolling ends with 'we hope you'll never be troubled to use our razor.' Really? How low can a company stoop for an ad, and how insensitive can it get?"
