Back in the 2010s, before social media flooded our screens with ads at every scroll, the Indian advertising industry was doing something quietly remarkable, writing campaigns that an entire generation would never forget. The right tagline, the perfect jingle, and a face that felt like it was made for the brand. It wasn’t just advertising. It was storytelling. And the faces that delivered it made sure it stuck forever.
Here is a look back at these five iconic celebrity ads that bring back nostalgia and remain timeless:
1. Katrina Kaif — Slice (Aamsutra Campaign)-* Katrina Kaif’s long-standing partnership with the mango drink Slice remains iconic. Launched with the Aamsutra tagline, the campaign shifted the way television viewed fruit beverages. Driven by her screen presence and the breathy, melodic track “Rasiya,” Katrina turned a simple act of drinking mango juice into a highly stylized, indulgent, and cinematic art form.
*2. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan — L’Oréal Paris-* “Because you’re worth it.” Few global taglines carry as much weight, and in India, no face represents that luxury standard better than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She provided the ideal bridge, combining world-class poise with a household familiarity that people trusted completely. Her distinct elegance gave the brand a clear direction and presence in India, shifting it from just a premium bottle on a shelf to a definitive benchmark for self-worth and luxury. Her name became synonymous with the brand itself, carving out an unforgettable identity that shaped how Indian audiences perceived premium personal care.
*3. Lauren Gottlieb — Closeup (First Move)-* Brought on to anchor Closeup’s progressive “First Move” campaign, international dancer and actress Lauren Gottlieb infused the screen with unmatched energy. At a time when her stardom was rapidly rising in India, her relatable charm and signature fluid choreography resonated instantly with the youth, leading for the advertisement to create a substantial impact across the nation. With a bright smile and effortless grace, she didn’t just market the brand; she completely redefined what it meant to break the ice.
*4. Priyanka Chopra — Appy Fizz (#FeelTheFizz)-* When Appy Fizz underwent a massive, edgy rebranding, they brought on Priyanka Chopra to launch their iconic #FeelTheFizz era. She proved to be the ultimate choice for Appy Fizz by completely redefining how a beverage brand connects with people. By bringing her unapologetic, bold attitude to the screen, she gave the brand a sharp, distinct personality that matched the energy of a younger generation. Her presence established the right tone for the product, transforming a simple drink into a premium staple drink of modern youth culture in India.
*5. Anushka Sharma — Nivea-* Anushka Sharma’s long-standing association with Nivea gave us some of the most wholesome, lighthearted, and relatable personal care ads on television. A standout favorite is her Body Deodorizer campaign, where she plays a high-energy school teacher role, and through that, she brought a warm, homely comfort to the screen that felt completely genuine. By leaning into a protective, caring energy, she made the brand feel safe, approachable, and deeply familiar. This down-to-earth vibe perfectly matched the product’s gentle care and a deep sense of trust among consumers.
