Few days ago there was news doing rounds…Shahrukh installs Tatasky in his office although he endorses its rival company. It was a slip-on as far as Shahrukh is concerned,who at all times makes sure that he leaves no stone unturned to ensure that even with his projected lifestyle he convinces us that he actually uses the brands he promotes.Whether it is his installing Pepsi vending machines at Mannat,giving away Tag Heuer watches in Kaun Banega Crorepati or whether in his recent flick ‘Rab Ne Bana Di jodi’ we see him showing off his Hyundai Santro.
As people who watch these commercials are we really ready to accept that a particular celebrity endorsing a product makes it any better? Does a celebrity really add brand-value to any product? Are we really that gullible to believe it when these stars tell us that certain product is good for us? Does having a star endorse a product really help in increasing a company’s sales and market share?
Let us try and get answers for some of these questions…
Companies that choose these biggies for promotions are no fools. Lot of research and man hours go into taking these decisions.Companies reserve a huge chunk of money for advertisements and endorsements.Who wouldn’t like a Sachin Tendulkar or Dhoni to sell for them,but it is possible? Not only is it commercially not viable always but also it might not be the right choice for you.
Every star carries an image.Say,having someone like Mallika Sherawat endorse an agarbatti would be totally inappropriate.In our country people treat their favourite actors like gods.Temples are made out for them,people pray for them.In such case if our favourite actor endorses a certain brand,it does become an emotional matter for us.Our mind might not always accept this but our heart always will go out for him. This is exactly why they are chosen. To cash in on our regard for the actor.Is it wrong? Well…can’t say so..
For stars on the other hand, its a win-win situation.They are paid an exorbitant amount of money only to show up in a 2-min advertisement which is shown on television numerous number of times throughout the day. It certainly gives them lot more exposure and publicity than a film might.What we do fail to realise is that,with the star getting all the focus and attention does the brand actually leave an imprint on the viewer’s mind?It is very much possible for people to remember the star but completely forget what he was endorsing.
All matters aside,stars however need to realise the responsiblity they take upon themselves when they’re doing this.Their credibility is at stake here.They are exposing themselves to public scrutiny for reasons more serious than bad acting.So when Amitabh Bacchhan says ‘UP mein jurm kam hai’,do we take his word for it? Certainly not!But when we see people like Aamir Khan campaigning for ‘Incredible India’ to boost tourism it sounds credible.
To wrap up,we do love our icons and we certainly don’t mind seeing them for as many times as we want,on television on signboards or even on the cover of our favourite soap.But we do expect them to believe in what they’re promoting.
Yes, the credibility is at stake. But it is a thinking of may be some varsha or nupur or tom or dick or harry ! Majority of the public is in blind love with the stars and they really believe in what they say on the tele in those 2 mins.For people like us who are educated and sensible know the difference of seeing and believing. For eg: I love the ad of TATA sky done by Amir Khan..but that doesn't give me enough reason to install one at my place..while selecting for the DTH I'll compare the costs of all the available options and check with few friends and relatives for the performance feedback…So when MNC's plot these celebrities to sow a seed of belief in us,they are not wrong..they have studied the mentality of the JANTA and they are doing their job for earning bread and butter !
on a different note..You really write well VB…and you must continue doing that..:)
Thanks Nu… Honestly, I'm enjoying writing too..will definitely continue to do so.
nice post..the flow is good! cheers to ‘eternal student’
Hey…thanks! You are reading my old posts. How sweet of you. ☺
hmmm….2009! great! i will take a loong time to catch up varsha
Take as long as you want. The years go long back but the posts dried up for long spells. All your comments and suggestions are most welcome. ????
hahaha…aye, aye ma’am! (teasing)
😂😂😂 ok!!