Sunny Leone (TOI file photo)
AHMEDABAD: Authorities tore down dozens of billboards on Tuesday after a slew of complaints over an advertisement depicting former porn star Sunny Leonepromoting condoms ahead of the festival of Navratri.
The image of Leone, a Canadian actress of Indian origin, advertising contraceptives ahead of the religious celebration of Navratri proved too much for some in Gujarat.
The advertisement features no image of a condom, but stoked outrage for its slogan "Play with love this Navratri".
In a written complaint, the Confederation of All India Traders accused the condom manufacturer behind the risque ad of taking marketing "to an all-time low".
"This is an immature attempt to boost sales by putting all our cultural value at stake", the traders group said in a statement.
The group took particular umbrage at the link between sex and Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival of fasting and prayer.
Local authorities in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, removed the advertisements as controversy mounted.
Leone is brand ambassador for Manforce, India's largest condom manufacturer, and one of the country's most searched celebrities online.
The actress featured in adult films including "Descent into Bondage" and "Costumed Damsels in Distress" before making the transition to mainstream cinema, where she has remained a magnet of criticism.
Also See: Sunny Leone sizzles in her latest Instagram picture
The image of Leone, a Canadian actress of Indian origin, advertising contraceptives ahead of the religious celebration of Navratri proved too much for some in Gujarat.
The advertisement features no image of a condom, but stoked outrage for its slogan "Play with love this Navratri".
In a written complaint, the Confederation of All India Traders accused the condom manufacturer behind the risque ad of taking marketing "to an all-time low".
"This is an immature attempt to boost sales by putting all our cultural value at stake", the traders group said in a statement.
The group took particular umbrage at the link between sex and Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival of fasting and prayer.
Local authorities in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, removed the advertisements as controversy mounted.
Leone is brand ambassador for Manforce, India's largest condom manufacturer, and one of the country's most searched celebrities online.
TOP COMMENT
Condoms are a necessity to control population. We have to appreciate Sunny Leone. She should also visit every madrassas IN UP, Bengal and Kerala.The actress featured in adult films including "Descent into Bondage" and "Costumed Damsels in Distress" before making the transition to mainstream cinema, where she has remained a magnet of criticism.
Also See: Sunny Leone sizzles in her latest Instagram picture
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Condoms are a necessity to control population. We have to appreciate Sunny Leone. She should also visit every madrassas IN UP, Bengal and Kerala.
Shut your eyes and your fake "cultural" outrage. Today''s news on Times. A Mother killed her son who had been sexually abusing her for years...
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