Aussie ad vilifies Indians; banned

The TV commercial, highlighting poor services by an "overseas" call centre operator, was found racist.

An Australian television commercial highlighting poor services by an "overseas" call centre operator has been taken off air after an advertising watchdog found it was racist and vilified Indians.

HT Image

In the ad, promoting an automobile association's local call centre, an actor says the overseas operator misunderstood his description of a car accident, instead suggesting they catch up 'for a curry and a pappadum' in New Delhi, The Australian newspaper reported.

The ad had been on air for nine months before a complaint received last month that it "degraded" India and made "a joke of possible cultural and social differences," the daily reported.

The 12-member Advertising Standards Board was divided over the issue but upheld the complaint after a casting vote from the Chairman.