'Zomato, what's wrong with you?' Ask social media users over company's 'sexist ad'

Cheap, vulgar, sexist, stupid, shameful, insensitive, etc., are some of the words being used on social media with regard to online food ordering app Zomato's recent advertisement that allegedly hurt the sentiments of people, especially women, as the words used in one of its ads "reflect Hindi expletives". The purportedly "offensive" ad installed on big hoardings display two letters, MC BC (mac n' cheese, butter chicken), in big fonts, though people took it in bad taste and attacked the company for putting up such a "demeaning" advertisement.

The company has also launched other ads inspired from famous political punchlines and Bollywood songs like 'Acche din are finally here', 'Bol Baby Bol, Malai Tikka Roll', 'Oonchi hai building, lift teri band hai? We will still deliver in time' and 'Mera pizza ghar aya, o Ram ji'. But one ad has specially caught the attention of the people, with many holding the company responsible for "fuelling sexism and rude behaviour".

However, Zomato co-founder Pankaj Chaddah said the company would take down the ad with immediate effect. He tweeted: "While we didn't mean to, we can see why it can be offensive to people, and we apologise for it. We will take this ad down with immediate effect." A user replied on Chaddah's comment saying "it's unfortunate that the reason for our discomfort with the ad isn't being recognised. This isn't a kill joy party, its concerns a loose language" used by a company claiming to have a large footprints. Another user asked "what's wrong with you Zomato?".

Mint also reported Zomato marketing head Pramod Rao saying "while it was not our intention, we can understand how that one particular creative could have been perceived as offensive. We will be withdrawing that creative in particular." Commentator and author Suhel Seth also lashed out at the company for the "absolutely shameful and outrageous" advertisement. On the other hand, many social media users also called the company's outdoor ad campaign as 'humorous', urging people to take it on a lighter note.