Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the CEO of the Indian division of Coca Cola have been accused of “hurting sentiments” of the Bengali community in a Sprite ad that promotes the drink’s new bottle feature, allowing the consumer to scan a QR code and listen to jokes.
A Kolkata-based lawyer filed a case against the actor and the CEO, alleging that a line in the Bengali version of the ad is offensive to the Bengali community.The ad, originally shot in Hindi, features Nawazuddin laughing at a joke that says, “shoja anguley ghee na uthley, Bangali khali petey ghumiye porey,” which translates to “if Bengalis don’t get anything easily, they sleep hungry.”
The lawyer said that they do not have any issues with the Hindi version of the ad, but the Bengali version hurts the sentiments of the community.The ad has been removed from various TV channels and websites after the complaint.The company has also issued a statement saying that it regrets the ad campaign and respects the Bengali language.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is looking forward to the release of multiple upcoming projects.One of them is Sudhir Mishra’s Afwaah, in which he stars alongside Bhumi Pednekar.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 5.
He is also set to appear in Kangana Ranaut’s production Tiku Weds Sheru and Kushan Nandy’s Jogira Sa Ra Ra and Noorani Chehra alongside Nupur Sanon.
Overall, a case has been filed against Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the CEO of Coca Cola India for an ad promoting the new feature of the drink’s bottle, which allegedly hurts the sentiments of the Bengali community.The Bengali version of the ad has been removed, and the company has issued a statement expressing regret and respect for the Bengali language.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is currently awaiting the release of several upcoming projects.
