Senior Tollywood comedian Ali has landed in controversy after appearing in an advertisement for a soap brand called “Ghar.” The commercial triggered backlash on social media, with many viewers accusing it of hurting Hindu religious sentiments, particularly those connected to Goddess Lakshmi.
The controversy began because the advertisement reportedly showed Ali performing a style of worship toward the soap product resembling traditional prayers offered to Goddess Lakshmi. The ad also used a musical bit associated with Lakshmi Devi names from the film Devudu Chesina Manushulu, which further intensified criticism online.
Several social media users argued that a senior actor like Ali should have been more careful before participating in content that could offend religious sentiments. Many questioned why devotional elements and religious references were used in a soap advertisement at all. Some demanded that the commercial be removed immediately, while others also made communal remarks against Ali, with some calling him a “Rohingya Muslim” and accusing him of mocking Hinduism, which further escalated the controversy on social media.
As the backlash grew, Ali released an apology video addressing the issue. He clarified that the controversial portion was inspired by a small bit from Devudu Chesina Manushulu and said the Mumbai-based company behind the advertisement had requested its inclusion.
Ali also stated that after people informed him the content appeared inappropriate and hurtful, he immediately contacted the company and asked them to remove the advertisement. According to him, the ad has now been deleted.
In his apology, Ali said that if the commercial had unintentionally hurt anyone’s sentiments, he sincerely apologized from the bottom of his heart. He emphasized that there was never any intention to disrespect any religion or deity.
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