Advertisements inspired by Sholay

[shaiprajapati]

Glucose biscuits: The classic has been used innumerable times in ads. It is perhaps for the first time that a negative character from a classic film has been used to endorse a mass consumption food product. Amjad Khan, who immortalised the dacoit Gabbar Singh, endorsed Britannia brand of glucose biscuits in the yesteryears.

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Chewing gum: This is one of the best of the lot. Gabbar is teasing Thakur that he can't kill him because he doesn't have hands, and so Thakur decides to headbutt Gabbar and use his teeth as a weapon. The ad works. Photo: Orbit

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Mobile operator: This is another innovative spoof on 'Sholay' to emphasise that if Thakur can't type a message on his handphone, he can definitely use the voice command and calling facility. The spoof even uses the 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' song 'Paapu Can't Dance' as 'Thakur Can't Type Saala'. Photo: Airtel

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Music channel: A music channel uses characters from 'Sholay' and 'Mr. India' to create an ad for itself, showing one of its own characters as the one who calls the shots in the end. Photo: Channel [V]

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Calcium tablets: Calcium Sandoz shows Gabbar Singh trying to cut the hands of Thakur with his swords (which seem more like ivory teeth). Thakur, of course, overpowers Gabbar, showing how strong his hands are as he consumes calcium tablets regularly. It's a cute and appealing commercial. Photo: Calcium Sandoz

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Fast-food chain: McDonald's has used 'Sholay' and its characters for one of its 'I'm Lovin' It' campaigns. Photo: McDonald's

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Life insurance service: A man sitting on a rock in Chambal valley is challenging Gabbar to come out and fight - showing that basically he's not scared of death because he life insurance provided by the said brand. Gabbar, of course, never comes out. In fact, no character of 'Sholay' is shown on screen in this ad. Photo: Sahara India Life Insurance

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Property website: A property website has used 'Sholay' to advertise itself. It shows how Basanti readily dances for Gabbar when he changes his location. Moreover, the real 'Sambha' - Mac Mohan - stars in this ad as Sambha again. Photo: Propirika

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TV channel: Entertainment channel Zoom used 'Sholay' to create a campaign for the festival of Holi. Photo: Zoom

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Social networking site: Bigadda uses Thakur to convey its message. Photo: Bigadda