Advertising In-Depth
Little Yadav
Apr 28, 2025

Shock marketing and sharbat wars: When brands cross the line

With Patanjali co-founder Baba Ramdev’s jab at Rooh Afza sparking a legal and cultural blowback, the marketing world weighs the true cost and value of provocation in brand marketing.

Following the Delhi High Court's intervention, Patanjali removed Baba Ramdev's 'sharbat jihad' comments, which had invited a legal and public backlash.

Please sign in or register

Access limited free articles a month after free, fast registration.

Existing users sign in here

Or
Register Now
Forgotten Password?

Having trouble signing in?

Contact Customer Support at
[email protected]
or call+91 22 69489600

Follow us

Top news, insights and analysis every weekday

Sign up for Campaign Bulletins

Most Read

Why Shah Rukh Khan still rules India’s brand universe at 60

1 Why Shah Rukh Khan still rules India’s brand universe at 60

ICC World Cup: Where does women’s cricket stand after historic win?

2 ICC World Cup: Where does women’s cricket stand after historic win?

Agencies must prove ROI, not just impressions

3 Agencies must prove ROI, not just impressions

QuickAds’ $1.7 million bet: Can AI fix advertising’s 90% failure rate?

4 QuickAds’ $1.7 million bet: Can AI fix advertising’s 90% failure rate?

CIDCA 2025: The Jury Has Spoken (Once), and They're Gearing Up for Round Two

5 CIDCA 2025: The Jury Has Spoken (Once), and They're Gearing Up for Round Two

Snapchat’s ad bet finds an ally in IAS as inbox ads redefine engagement

6 Snapchat’s ad bet finds an ally in IAS as inbox ads redefine engagement

NDTV appoints Sucherita Kukreti as Senior Executive Editor and Prime Time Anchor

7 NDTV appoints Sucherita Kukreti as Senior Executive Editor and Prime Time Anchor

Bingo! turns ‘Big No’ into its boldest punchline yet

8 Bingo! turns ‘Big No’ into its boldest punchline yet

Blog: How stigmatising Harmanpreet Kaur is hurting Brand India

9 Blog: How stigmatising Harmanpreet Kaur is hurting Brand India

Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj are the most liked female cricketers: Hansa Research report

10 Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj are the most liked female cricketers: Hansa Research report

Related Articles

Blog: Arre baba re! Baba Ramdev rocks on ‘Om Shanti Om’
Opinion
Sep 12, 2017
Sandeep Goyal

Blog: Arre baba re! Baba Ramdev rocks on ‘Om Shanti Om’

Blog: Is brand Patanjali cooling?
Opinion
May 09, 2018
Campaign India Team

Blog: Is brand Patanjali cooling?

Baba Ramdev turns Goafest 2018 on its head
Marketing
Apr 05, 2018
Campaign India Team

Baba Ramdev turns Goafest 2018 on its head

FCB Ulka bags Rooh Afza, other Hamdard brands
Advertising
Nov 15, 2017
Campaign India Team

FCB Ulka bags Rooh Afza, other Hamdard brands

Just Published

Surya Roshni elevates Parul Phadke as head of marketing and advertising
Advertising
22 hours ago
Campaign India Team

Surya Roshni elevates Parul Phadke as head of ...

She will lead marketing and advertising functions across the division, focusing on campaigns that enhance brand visibility and consumer connection.

New eyewear ‘B by Lenskart’ brand launch - Everything you need to know about IPO-bound eyewear company's smart glasses' foray
Digital
1 day ago
Content Labs

New eyewear ‘B by Lenskart’ brand launch - ...

IPO-bound Lenskart has launched a new brand christened ‘B by Lenskart Smartglasses’

Why is Nazara Technologies rebranding itself and what is new?
Digital
1 day ago
Content Labs

Why is Nazara Technologies rebranding itself and ...

Gaming company Nazara Technologies has launched a refreshed new brand identity.

Safe is passé, risk-taking is in
Advertising
1 day ago
Campaign India Team

Safe is passé, risk-taking is in

A global paper from Havas Red shows how audiences are tuning out brand experiences that feel overly familiar or formulaic and what works instead.