Hrithik Roshan and Zomato lands in controversy

Popular Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan and noted food delivery chain Zomato landed in controversy for the latter’s new advertising campaign. In one of Zomato’s latest ad commercials, Hrithik says that he felt like having a thali in Ujjain so he ordered it from Mahakal.

This ad didn’t go well with the priests of Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. They alleged that it hurts Hindu sentiments and demanded Zomato withdraw the ad. They have also requested Ujjain’s district collector to take action against Zomato.

Within no time, Zomato withdrew the ad and offered an apology to the priests. It stated that the intent was never to hurt anyone’s beliefs and sentiments. In an official statement, Zomato said that it was referring to ‘Mahakal’ restaurant in Ujjain and not the ‘Mahakaleshwar Temple.’

“The Hrithik Roshan starrer ad that ran in specific pin-codes of Ujjain referenced to ‘thalis’ at ‘Mahakal Restaurant and not the revered Shree Mahakaleshwar temple. Mahakal Restaurant is one of our high-order-volume restaurant partners in Ujjain and thali is a recommended item on its menu,” the statement read.

“We deeply respect the sentiments of the people of Ujjain and the ad in question is no longer running. We offer our sincerest apologies, for the intent here was never to hurt anyone’s beliefs and sentiments,” Zomato further added.