Filmi families on TV

Ash-Abhi’s new Lux ad where the couple shares screen space is creating waves. They aren’t the only Bollywood family to be featured in an ad together. Anil Kapoor and his daughter Sonam, recently, starred in a Mont Blanc ad and Ajay Devgan and Kajol have been seen in a couple of ads too. Not to forget, glamorous B-town couples like Saif-Kareena and John-Bipasha (though not yet family!) are sharing screen space to promote products.

What do Bengalureans think of these ‘family endorsements’? “It’s a cute idea — family is such a big thing in Indian culture,” says actress Meghana adding, “But audiences perceive certain star couples with a set image and if they don’t gel with the product, the ad won’t work.” As for Saif and Kareena’s Airtel Digital TV ad, Meghana thinks that the duo portrays a young modern couple which appeals to the audience.

The much-hyped Ash and Abhi ad is average and doesn’t portray Ash’s beauty too well, feels model Priya Nayak. “Considering how much the brand spends on its star ambassadors, the ad could’ve done more justice to both Aishwarya and Abhishek,” she adds. Of the recent ads featuring celeb families and couples, the Saif and Kareena one is the best, opines Priya, adding, “Using related celebrities or couples in ads may have larger appeal, but at the end of the day it should make sense in respect to the product. You can’t forcibly put in two people ‘cos they’re a couple. The ad’s storyline matters; sometimes even two good models can make a commercial look good.”

Having related celebrities endorse products is pretty appealing to fans and people who relate to them, feels actress Arya Menon. “There’s always more brand value with family connections,” she adds.

For film buff Ankita C, the Ash-Abhi ad isn’t very appealing. “I’d rather see some new couples or someone who I’ve never seen before onscreen. I would like to see SRK and Gauri endorsing a product - they looked so good when they walked the ramp together recently!”

While Priya thinks it will be nice to see Ranbir in an ad with his parents Rishi and Neetu, Meghana would like to see Puneet Rajkumar along with Shivraj Kumar or Upendra and his wife Priyanka share screen space.

Like ‘em or not, celeb families and couples are lighting up the TV space and with big bucks coming their way, they sure aren’t complaining!