Flipkart Takes Down ‘Aalsi, Bewakoof Pati' Ad Amid Backlash for Misandrist Portrayal

Bengaluru: The much-anticipated Big Billion Days Sale by Flipkart began on Friday, but the event's launch was marred by controversy over a derogatory advertisement. The Walmart-owned e-commerce giant faced swift backlash for a promotional video that depicted husbands as “aalsi, kambakkht, and bewakoof,” terms that many criticized as “misandrist” and “toxic.”

The animated advertisement aimed to provide women with clever tips on how to discreetly order and hide handbags from Flipkart without their husbands discovering the purchases. Although the concept appeared lighthearted, the offensive portrayal of husbands led to widespread criticism on social media, prompting calls for accountability from the company.

Responding to the outcry, Flipkart quickly removed the ad, stating, “We’re sorry for the offending video which was posted in error, and took it down as soon as we realised our mistake. We will do better in the future.”

Despite the controversy, the Big Billion Days Sale is expected to draw considerable attention, offering substantial discounts across various categories. The sale will run until October 6, aiming to provide shoppers with enticing deals during this festive season.