Kotak Mahindra Bank withdraws ad featuring comedian Tanmay Bhat after old tweets stir row

Considering Tanmay's controversial history, the netizens did not take the idea of taking him for the drive.

New Delhi, Feb 14: Days after launching their new campaign featuring comedian Tanmay Bhat, Kotak Mahindra Bank has withdrawn the advertisement following the latter's decade-old tweet on a Hindu God resurfaced on social media.

Kotak Bank on Sunday apologised for associating with the popular comedian of All India Bakchod (AIB) and announced that they have pulled down their 811 campaign.

"We, at Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. do not support or endorse the views of actors made in their personal capacity that harm or offend any individual or group. We have withdrawn the campaign," the bank wrote on Twitter.

The three-ad campaign on Kotak's digital bank with the tagline #SamayKoSahiKaamPeLagao featured content creators Tanmay Bhat and Samay Raina.

In the ad, Samay was seen holding a placard saying "No offensive Jokes Tanmay Bhai" with a cancel sign on "No".

Considering Tanmay's controversial history, the netizens did not take the idea of taking him for the drive.

Taking to Twitter, Independent writer Shefali Vaidya asked Uday Kotak if they endorse Tanmay's views.

"Dear @udaykotak do you agree with Hindu hater Tanmay Bhatt's description of Shri Ganesh Murti? Do your customers agree? Kotak Bank Ltd" ," she tweeted.

Cyber Safety Expert and founder of Akancha Against Harassment Akancha Srivastava said, "@udaykotak Sir @KotakBankLtd seriously, you couldn't find anyone else for your brand endorsement except him?? Are we to understand that he reflects your brand values? He's been accused of sexual harassment by so many women. Definitely expected better from you."

Another Twitter user Monica Verma said, "Hi @KotakBankLtd @udaykotak I am a customer of your bank but the fact that you have hired a Hinduphobic, woman and child abuser Tanmay Bhat for a campaign is making me consider closing my account. Discontinue the association with him and apologise?"

Tanmay Bhatt is a writer, and actor. He is one of the co-founders of the comedy sketch group All India Bakchod (AIB), which was active from 2012 to 2018.