This refers to the report "Madhuri gets notice for endorsing Maggi" (May 30). It is a common practice of multinational companies in India to bring in people from the cine world to endorse their products. A huge amount of money is paid for such endorsements. With illiteracy dominating the Indian population, the products get sold in large volumes due to misleading advertisements. The question is why should brand ambassadors (read Madhuri Dixit) become controversial by endorsing products that are controversial? Dixit was shortlisted by the company due to the attraction she holds for housewives in India.
Legally, Nestle India may overcome the issue but the ethical component of the issue remains unchallenged. The rule "caveat emptor" (let the buyer beware) has wreaked havoc on buyers. If the company does not get appropriate brand ambassadors, the damage gets reduced to that extent.
K V Rao Bengaluru
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