This Pakistani Ad Feat. Nawazuddin Siddiqui Jokes About Domestic Abuse And It’s Cringeworthy

Digital advertising has a tremendous impact on the psyche of the audiences and there are no two ways about it. Needless to say, the brains behind these brands shoulder the responsibility of not only discouraging regressive dogmas but also, encouraging progressive social footings. But it seems like there is a long way to go…

Remember when we told you about a Moroccan TV show that gave away makeup tips to hide bruises from domestic violence? Well, now it’s a new leaked Pakistani advertisement that is making rounds on the internet and it is every bit cringeworthy!

The ad, that is trying to sell a Kenwood washing machine, features Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui who is seen chilling with his friends.

 

It’s all laughter till the friends ask if Nawaz, the lead, has had a fight with his wife. It turns ghastly when, just to throw his weight around, he jokes about hitting his wife (referred to as ‘dhulayi’). 

 

However, the ad ends when friends kid about the wife being around, and a scared Nawazuddin jumps in horror. I don’t know if this was supposed to be a saving grace, but the wordplay with ‘dhulayi’ is bad as the tone of the ad. 

 

Goes without a mention, the ad has now created an uproar with people pointing out sexist standards in it.

1. WORD

What's wrong with our advertisers? Can we not find humour while respecting women? #kenwood take notice. Not like. https://t.co/h9ZZD3rf5i

— Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim (@aamir_ibrahim01) May 7, 2017

 

2. Clearly! 

#Kenwood's new ad is as bad in taste as Yasir Hussain's recent comment on child abuse. Brands should have a clear strategy on morals.

— Sameea Zafar (@SameeaZafar) May 6, 2017

 

3. Second that! 

Who on earth came up with the new Kenwood ad featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui? Using domestic abuse as a punchline is NOT ok

— Hamna Zubair (@hamnazubair) May 6, 2017

 

4. THIS had to be done. 

 

The leak which outraged a lot of people has now forced Kenwood to come with a public apology. 

 

Watch the entire ad, uploaded by Whatsapp Videos page here.

Wonder if Nawazuddin knew what he was getting into when he shot this! If he did, what was he thinking?!