Ever wonder if your favorite celebrity actually uses that chewing gum, watch, or smartphone they endorse? Here’s the uncomfortable truth behind brand endorsements in India.
The Illusion Behind the Glamour
Let’s face it: when Shah Rukh Khan, Tiger Shroff, and Akshay Kumar say “Bolo Zubaan Kesari” — you probably never imagined they don’t chew that gutka-flavored product themselves. But they don’t. And deep down, we all know it.
Celebrity endorsements are marketing illusions. They’re about association, not authenticity. Celebs are paid crores to be the face of a brand, but that doesn’t mean the product makes it into their real lives.
Vimal, Fairness Creams & The Great Bollywood Disconnect
Let’s start with the obvious one. Vimal.
Tiger Shroff, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn — all promoting a pan masala brand. A product that’s associated with oral cancer, red-spitting habits, and a government health warning. Do these A-listers actually carry a Vimal sachet in their pockets? Of course not. They likely don’t even allow it near their vanity vans.
Similarly, fairness creams, once pushed hard by top Bollywood stars — from Shahid Kapoor to Deepika Padukone — were rarely, if ever, used by them. That’s not skincare. That’s just a paycheck.
The Tech Lies You Buy Into
Remember that iPhone ad by an actor who’s always spotted using a Samsung? Or vice versa?
Many celebrities have signed brand contracts with tech giants like OnePlus, Vivo, and Realme — but are publicly seen posting from iPhones. That “Shot on OnePlus” post? Check the EXIF data — it was often taken on a DSLR or an iPhone.
Even influencers and tech reviewers fall into this trap, showcasing the product in public while using something entirely different behind closed doors.
The Fitness Supplements They Never Touch
Bollywood’s fitness icons promote whey proteins, fat burners, and pre-workouts to their millions of followers. But what they actually use? Private trainers, chefs, and high-end supplements not even available in India. Their bodies are sculpted with discipline, not the ₹999 protein jar they claim “changed their life.”
Why It Happens (and Why You Keep Buying It)
So why do they lie?
- Because it works. Their faces sell. You trust them. You admire them. You associate your goals with theirs.
- Because money talks. A single endorsement deal can run into ₹5–10 crores. That’s more than a film paycheck.
- Because we let them. The outrage is never big enough to cancel the deal. The sales never slow down.
The Rise of Disillusioned Audiences
Gen Z and urban millennials are catching on. They ask questions. They search beyond the influencer’s video or celeb ad. They read Reddit threads, watch YouTube takedowns, and notice the inconsistencies.
And that’s the future. Transparency. Trust. Proof.
Not just a smile and a catchy tagline.
Closing Thought
The next time you see your favorite star promoting a product that doesn’t align with their lifestyle, ask yourself:
“Do they believe in it? Or are they just selling me a lie with perfect lighting?”
Because at the end of the day, the real question isn’t “Do they use it?” —
It’s: “Do you still trust them if they don’t?”
