Brand’s Ad For UP Board Topper Prachi Nigam Gets Backlash As Users Call It ‘Sick As To The Core’

An advertisement addressing Uttar Pradesh Class 10 board topper Prachi Nigam has sparked criticism, with people accusing the brand of exploiting a sensitive issue for commercial gain.

A marketing move addressing Uttar Pradesh Class 10 board topper Prachi Nigam has now ignited a debate regarding the brand's intentions and ethics.

Source : X/@GabbarSingh

Prachi Nigam's exceptional achievement in Uttar Pradesh's Class 10 board exams, where she secured an outstanding 98.5 percent, was marred with online trolling targeting her appearance. Entering the discourse, a brand named Bombay Shaving Company inserted itself into the conversation, not to deride the teenager but to express solidarity. However, the brand's move has drawn criticism from internet users who accused it of exploiting a sensitive issue for commercial gain.

A photo of Bombay Shaving Company's newspaper advertisement and hoarding endorsing their women's face razor, Bombae surfaced on social media. Addressing Prachi directly, the ad read, "Dear Prachi, they are trolling your hair today, they’ll applaud your A.I.R. tomorrow." Beneath this message, the advertisement urged her not to succumb to bullying and suggested the use of their razor, stating, "We hope you never get bullied into using your razor."

This marketing move has now ignited a debate regarding the brand's intentions and ethics.

Criticism swiftly followed, with an X user expressing disdain, stating, "The kid would want this episode to end as soon as possible. But No! A brand wants to splash her name again. Without her consent. To sell their own razors. Very poor taste!"

The kid would want this episode to end as soon as possible. But No! a brand wants to splash her name again. Without her consent. To sell their own razors. Very poor taste!

— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) April 27, 2024

Another commenter likened marketing to a cold-hearted business, saying, "Marketing is as cold a business as selling caskets."

marketing is as cold a business as selling caskets. 💔

— Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) April 27, 2024

The backlash has continued with comments expressing their disapproval of the advertisement pouring in.

Caught up on the reaction to the 'Bombae' ad, apparently in support of Prachi Nigam who got trolled for her looks. One of those 'this ad is not about our brand' but is exactly that. How often to tell brands that not everything that's happening in this world - is an opportunity…

— bhatnaturally  🇮🇳 (@bhatnaturally) April 27, 2024

Sick as to the core. Unless the girl in question has given permission, she should sue the asses out of Bombae.

Using someones hormone issues to sell your razors!!!

Really pathetic advertising. pic.twitter.com/8uJf2uI4wQ

— Sandeep Sunny Lakhina (@slakhina) April 27, 2024

Not In My Name

Bombae Shaving Company does a full page ad for #Prachi,
The UP board topper, who was being trolled for facial hair.

Haven’t seen something this desperate.

This message goes to their own TG, not to the people who bullied her, hey pls remember to buy our razors… pic.twitter.com/6GveiCCH7G

— Prachi Shekhawat प्राची शेखावत 🇮🇳 (@iprachi_singh) April 27, 2024

I wish she drag them to the court for this. pic.twitter.com/CzQDHtG2qq

— Harsh (@_ambedkarite) April 27, 2024

While Prachi herself has not directly addressed the advertisement, she previously responded to the extensive trolling she endured, asserting, "Trollers can live with their mindset, I am happy that my success is now my identity", as quoted by news agency IANS.

She further emphasised, "My family, my teachers, my friends never criticized me for my appearance and I never bothered about it either. It was only when my photograph was published after the results that people started trolling me and then my attention was drawn to the problem."