Screenshot from video posted on Twitter (L) and file photo of Abhinandan (R).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Adverts mocking Abhinandan's capture were aired by Pakistan TV channels.
- The ads were aired ahead of the clash between India and Pakistan in the ongoing World Cup.
- The internet is furious and has hit back with cutting ripostes.
An advertisement aired by a Pakistan TV channel ahead of the clash between India and Pakistan in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 received severe backlash on social media. The advert showed a character appearing to mock Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
The 33-second video, featuring the promotional advertisement, is being circulated on social media vehemently with a section of the internet slamming Pakistan's Jazz TV, which released the clip. In the video, a person, dressed in the jersey of the Indian cricket team, is seen sipping tea during what appears to be a round of interrogation.
The internet has drawn comparisons between the person featuring in the advert and Abhinandan Varthaman - considering he is seen sporting the Indian Air Force pilot's signature handlebar moustache. What irked netizens is that the person repeated Abhinandan's statement: "I'm sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this" every time he was asked questions about India's playing technique and the team's strategy if it wins the toss.
The manner in which the person was seen sipping tea in the commercial is also similar to Abhinandan - a fact that the internet pointed out. As the person leaves, he is told by the interrogator, "Ek second ruko! Cup kahan leke ja raho ho? (Wait a second! Where are you taking the cup?)." Cup, in this case, refers to the trophy as the word was used as a pun.
Watch:
Jazz TV advt on #CWC19 takes the Indo-Pak air duel to new level. It uses the air duel over Nowshera and Wing Co Abhinandan Varthaman's issue as a prop. @IAF_MCC @thetribunechd@SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/30v4H6MOpUAjay Banerjee (@ajaynewsman) June 11, 2019
Moreover, a Pakistani tea brand also used footage featuring Abhinandan in its advert.
Abhinandan is a favorite one in Pak and in our country people are asking for proof... Watch it...Sunit Jain (@sunitpanna) March 5, 2019
Tapal Tea is a Pakistani major tea brand based in Karachi, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/xdM6E55kfJ
The internet is furious, needless to mention, while some other responded to the commercials with cutting ripostes.
Let them keep the 'chai ka cup' only, we'll get the World CupMainak Mitra (@tweetsbyMainak) June 11, 2019
Lo jitna cup lena hai le lo... Baaki World cup to hum le hi lenge pic.twitter.com/KUKq9neW2YVijay Sharma (@itsVijayy) June 11, 2019
It means , even Pakistan believe that cup India leke jane vala haiAnkit Yadav (@ankit6_7) June 11, 2019
Someone pls give them a cup of teaanju aherwal (@AherwalAnju) June 11, 2019
@PCBLive_PK u will get all the answers after the match!arsudhindra (@arsudhindra) June 11, 2019
Abhinandan Varthaman was captured on February 27 as he prevented Pakistani jets' intrusion into the Indian air space. For 60 hours, Abhinandan was in Pakistani military's custody and was released as a "goodwill gesture" by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
EmoticonEmoticon