Sunny Leone's Navratri-Themed Condom Ad Sparks Outrage In Gujarat

New Delhi: Sunny Leone has been trending through the day for featuring in a condom ad that has sparked outrage in Gujarat ahead of Navratri festivities. The Confederation Of All India Traders have written to Union Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, seeking a ban on a contraceptive company advertisement featuring actress Sunny Leone, reported news agency PTI. The hoarding of a condom brand shows actress Sunny Leone staring at a Gujarati text that reads, "Aa Navratrie ramo parantu prem thi (This Navratri, play, but with love)." In the letter to Mr Paswan, the Confederation of All India Traders have appealed to him to direct concerned officials to take appropriate action against the manufacturer, Mankind Phrama and its brand ambassador, reported PTI.

"Though they have not used the word condom in their banner but the intention is very clear as the combination of words like 'play', 'love' and 'Navratri' are coined above the large logo of Manforce," Confederation Of All India Traders National Secretary Praveen Khandelwal said in the letter, reported PTI.

"Their large banners in cities across Gujarat are shouting out to encourage youths to use Manforce condoms in the name of Navratri festival," Mr Khandelwal added.

Praveen Khandelwal termed the advertisement as 'derogatory' and said it is an 'immature attempt to boost sales by putting our cultural value system at stake.' He also slammed Sunny Leone in his letter and said that 'in the lust of earning huge money, these brand ambassadors can go to any level irrespective of the pious and religious occasion of Navratri,' reported PTI.

Confederation Of All India Traders has urged Government to pass the Consumer Protection Bill, which is pending before the Parliament, in the next session so that Brand Ambassadors can be brought under the ambit of the said Act, reported PTI.

Speaking to Indian Express, Surat Commissioner of Police Satish Sharma said, "We have brought such hoardings down, as the advertisement was of condoms and it should not be linked up with the religious festivals and even photo of Sunny Leone was semi-nude. We have received complaints from the public and we brought down the hoardings."

On the work front, Sunny Leone last featured in the song Loca Loca, featuring a rap by Raftaar. She will next be seen in Bhoomi's song Trippy Trippy.

Sunny Leone's next full-fledged role is in Raajeev Walia's Tera Intezaar, co-starring Arbaaz Khan.

(With PTI inputs)