Twitter backlash forces company to withdraw ‘sexist’ ad, Singh insists 'wasn't malicious'
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 25, 2016)

Often labelled eccentric and zany, Ranveer Singh has had brickbats coming his way for his latest ad for Danish fashion brand Jack & Jones where he is seen carrying a woman on his shoulder and the punch line goes, 'Don't hold back. Take your work home.' Netizens, including 'Rang De Basanti' actor Siddharth, slammed the ad campaign, terming it sexist and offensive, and the brand responded by taking down all 12 billboards across the country and even issued an apology.

"Regret that one of our billboards has caused distress, we did not intend to offend anyone. #NOTHOLDINGBACK and withdrawing it immediately," the company declared on its social media handle.

On Wednesday, Ranveer appeared on a talk show to promote his upcoming film, Befikre, where he was asked about the controversial advertisement. While he didn't apologise, he said, "Jack and Jones ad wasn't malicious, but wasn't going down well, so got it taken down."

When we tried reaching out to Ranveer, his spokesperson said, "The brand and the brand ambassador need to be on the same page. So, the brand has asked Ranveer to maintain the same stand (as them)."

This isn't the first time that the actor has been embroiled in a controversy over a commercial. In May last year, Ranveer featured in an ad for an innerwear brand where he wrestled dummy sharks. After the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) raised objections, the company decided to run the ad with a disclaimer declaring the shark was merely a rubber toy and no animal was used for the shoot.
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Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 25, 2016)

Following an uproar over his controversial ad for Danish fashion brand Jack & Jones, Ranveer Singh apologised yesterday, saying he had no intention to disrespect women. The advertisement featured the actor carrying a woman on his shoulders; the punchline said, "Don't hold back. Take your work'. Rang De Basanti actor Siddharth was among the first few to slam it, saying it was a "new low for women's rights in the workplace in India" and added a hashtag 'Fail' to it. In his apology, Ranveer said, "It was important to give the brand creative freedom while designing their campaign, but I guess we got it wrong on one of those billboards and I am sorry this happened, but it's a thing of the past... We rectified it immediately by having that hoarding taken down from everywhere over 30 cities overnight. I treat all women with utmost respect, both professionally and personally, and would never do anything to disrespect them."