Actor Bhavna Chauhan, who recently featured alongside Ranveer Singh and adult star Johnny Sins in a promotional ad for a s*xual healthcare brand, addressed the backlash the advertisement received in a conversation with India Today. Reflecting on the criticism and alterations made to the original script, Bhavna shed light on the creative process behind the controversial commercial.
Regarding the critique surrounding the ad’s portrayal of TV shows, Bhavna explained, “The marketing team understands the impact of such content. While the original script had a lighter tone, adjustments were made to ensure it resonated appropriately. The objective was to present the scenario as a typical scene from a television program, aiming for a casual reception among viewers at home. Normalizing the discussion of the subject matter was the primary goal.”
In response to fellow actor Rashami Desai’s criticism of the ad, where she expressed feeling humiliated on behalf of the TV industry, Bhavna maintained her stance, stating, “No one intended to mock the TV industry.” Despite respecting Rashami’s perspective, Bhavna emphasized that the intention behind the ad was never to demean or disrespect the television sector during its production.
The advertisement, crafted as a parody of Indian TV dramas, featured Bhavna in the role of Kishu, depicted as disgruntled by her husband’s (Johnny) s*xual health issues. The commercial showcased Bhavna’s character lamenting to Ranveer’s character about his brother, portrayed by Johnny, who grapples with erectile dysfunction.
Penned by Tanmay Bhat, Devaiah Bopanna, and their team, the ad garnered mixed reactions on social media platforms. Ranveer Singh, who shared the ad on his Instagram, received a mix of praise and amusement from industry colleagues, with actor Vijay Varma and Arjun Kapoor among those commenting on the boldness of the campaign.
As controversies surround the ad’s reception, Bhavna’s insights provide valuable context into the intentions and creative decisions behind the production, highlighting the complexities of navigating sensitive subjects in advertising and media.