Flipside: Model Roles

India Today
September 14, 1998

FLIPSIDE
Model Roles

Dilip Bobb

At the rate that advertising agencies and business houses are signing up cricketers for endorsing everything from T-shirts to toothpaste, professional models may soon join the lengthening list of the unemployed. And speaking about the unemployed, there are a host of political role models who would like to get into the act. Some are being seriously considered to endorse suitable products. Here are a few examples.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The prime minister's widespread popularity makes him an ideal model for the new generation of VCRs due to hit the market. The unique feature of these machines is that they do not have a pause button. The audio automatically pauses for 30 seconds at the end of each sentence. Market research has shown a favourable consumer response since it gives housewives time to finish their chores and kids to finish their homework, without missing a single word.

Manohar Joshi: The Maharashtra chief minister is considered ideal for linking his current image with the latest, new, improved brand of detergent. The detergent's USP is that it washes off any stains instantly, leaves everything looking whiter than white, and even adds a perfume. Joshi's recent attempts to whitewash the Srikrishna Commission report has given prime accused Bal Thackeray a clean chit and left him smelling like a rose.

Subramanian Swamy: Being seriously considered for advertising the latest range of vacuum cleaners. The machine guarantees the collection of every bit of dirt and reaches the darkest corners. Has a special whistle-blower attachment which warns owners when the dirt bag is full.

Jayalalitha: Will be asked to endorse a unique new range of television sets. The uniqueness lies in the fact that it offers the opposite of what other manufacturers are currently retailing. Instead of wider screens where viewers can see the bigger picture, these sets only concentrate on a smaller area of vision with highly localised focus. Has a revolutionary on-again-off-again function.

Yashwant Sinha: No one better to model the new models of cars due out by end-September when sales are expected to pick up. Sinha's image is seen as perfect for the car which offers a smooth ride with unique shock absorbers so passengers don't feel the bumps or potholes. Or so the manufacturers claim. The ideal vehicle to take everyone for a ride.

Laloo Yadav: Has been shortlisted to pose for a Combine Harvester. Ideal for rural couples with lots of children to feed.

Issue Contents | Write to us | Subscriptions | Syndication