Telugu actor and comedian Ali has responded to backlash over a recent advertisement for soap brand Ghar after the campaign sparked criticism online over its use of religious imagery and devotional references. The commercial became a topic of discussion across social media platforms, with several users expressing objections to the way religious elements were incorporated into the promotional content.
The commercial reportedly showed Ali performing a pooja for the soap product while devotional chants associated with Goddess Lakshmi were used in the background. Several social media users asserted that the advertisement was “insensitive” towards Hindu religious sentiments and questioned the use of sacred imagery for a commercial promotion.
CONTROVERSIAL ⛔
Popular south comedy actor Ali apologises to Hindu community for his this new controversial Ad ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/PsRYNbW3wG
— Always Bollywood (@AlwaysBollywood) May 14, 2026
As the controversy gained traction online, Ali released a video statement responding to the criticism. In his apology, Ali said he never intended to disrespect any religion or hurt public sentiments. He stated that the concept was inspired by a comedy sequence from one of his earlier films ‘Devudu Chesina Manushulu’ and was created only for entertainment purposes.
Ali also said that after receiving feedback from viewers and close associates regarding the advertisement, he contacted the company behind the campaign and requested the commercial be removed from circulation. Multiple reports stated that the advertisement has since been taken down from online platforms.
నోటిదుల తో హిందూ ధర్మాన్ని ఎగతాళి చేయడం – మళ్ళా సారీ చెప్పడం ఫ్యాషన్ అయిపోయింది ఈ ఆర్టిస్ట్ లకి.
థాంక్స్ హిందూ దేవాలయ సమితి -ఈ రోహింగ్యా గాడికి బుద్ధి వచ్చేలా చెప్పినందుకు. https://t.co/06EJNsx2YO pic.twitter.com/q8Mr8taVa4
— విష్ణు వర్ధన్ రెడ్డి-विष्णु वर्धन रेड्डी🇮🇳 (@vishnureddy_899) May 12, 2026
The incident has generated widespread discussion across social media platforms, with reactions remaining divided. While some users appreciated the actor’s quick clarification and apology, others continued to criticise the creative approach used in the advertisement and raised concerns over the growing use of religious symbolism in brand campaigns.