If there’s one brand that knows how to strategically leverage current affairs and news stories, it’s definitely Amul. As topical advertisers, they’re always abreast of the biggest, most trending stories — be it in Bollywood, politics, or even sports. In fact, they’re so prompt, they even outbeat news agencies at times! The brand’s lovable, iconic mascot — the Amul girl — has stayed with us through every breaking news, every ‘gasp’-worthy moment, and every heartbreak. She makes news cool, relatable, funny, and memorable, all at the same time!
But the best part? Their pun game isn’t new to their advertising strategy, neither can it be credited to the brand’s evolution. It’s been around since the very beginning and has only gotten better by the day! Be it 1966 or 2018, they’ve consistently stayed in the books of both the young and old. Let’s take a step into the past and journey along Amul’s topical advertising history.
1966: The first puns, commenting on the growing popularity of racing in Bombay
1976: On the compulsory sterilization introduced during Indira Gandhi’s regime
1979: On Sunil Gavaskar’s achievement
1982: On the newly introduced Sales Tax
1983: On Rajya Sabha’s term extension
1986: On the return of Shri Sharad Pawar as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra
1987: On the submarine scam and the Hindujas
1987: On the ‘Divide and Rule’ ideology
1989: On football sensation Diego Maradona performance
1990: On the rapid change of Prime Ministers in the country
1991: On the celebration of the 41st Republic Day celebration
1991: On the cricket match against the Aussies
1992: On the Mandal Commission
1993: On the raunchy Hindi song, ‘Choli ke peeche kya hai?’ from the movie Khalnayak
1994: On the use of unleaded petrol
1995: On the growing popularity of Kollywood superstar, Rajinikanth
1996: On the popular Spanish song, Macarena
1997: On the occasion of Christmas
1998: On women bus conductors
1999: On the debate over pop star Elton John performing in Mumbai
2000: On the occasion of Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan’s wedding
2001: On the death of ex-beatle George Harrison
2002: On the latest TV commercial of a leading soft drink manufacturer
2003: On Prince Charles getting to know the famous Mumbai Dabbawalas delivery system
2004: On the release of the film, Swades
2005: On the return of Sachin Tendulkar to international cricket
2006: On the remake of Bollywood film Don starring Shah Rukh Khan
2007: On the two upcoming releases that were the talk of the town
2008: On Anil Kumble’s retirement from Test Cricket, 18 years after his debut in 1990
2008: On the election of USA’s first African-American president
2009: On the release of Bollywood film Paa where real-life father and son reverse their roles on screen
2010: On the phone-tapping and 2G scam
2011: On activist Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption rally
2012: On veteran actor Dilip Kumar’s 90th birthday
2013: On the occasion of New Year
2014: On the retirement of Indian skipper and Captain Cool, MS Dhoni, from test cricket
2015: On the eleventh installment of the sci-fi series Star Wars
2016: On the many losses in the music industry
2017: On Bollywood’s latest blockbuster hit, Tiger Zinda Hain
2017: On the high profile engagement of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
2018: On the hug shared between PM Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi in the parliament
2018: On the Croatian captain winning the Golden Ball, Best player of FIFA World Cup 2018
2018: On the Virushka wedding
2018: On the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
2018: On the daring rescue mission in Thailand
2018: On Hima Das, the 18-year-old’s wins as India’s first-ever track gold in a global event
2018: On the election of Pakistan’s new Prime Minister
Got a few more ads to add to this list? Write to us at reachus@pinklemonade.in or tell us in the comments below!
