Remember the days of Doordarshan, when a handful of channels ruled the airwaves? It was a simpler time, when television was a communal experience. And a big part of that experience were the iconic Indian advertisements.
These weren’t just advertisements; they were an emotion, woven into the fabric of our childhood. From the catchy jingles to the whimsical characters, commercials were as much a part of the show as the show itself.
Who can forget the iconic Amul girl, the catchy tunes of Cadbury Dairy Milk, or the heartwarming tales of Fevicol?
These iconic Indian advertisements weren’t just selling products–they were building memories and capturing a piece of our hearts.
1. Laxman Sylvania
Asrani’s enthusiastic endorsement of replacing all bulbs, even the working ones, became a pop culture phenomenon. The line “Poore ghar ke badal daaloonga!” remains a hilarious and memorable testament to the power of advertising.
2. Surf Excel – Lalitaji
This campaign broke ground by featuring a confident and independent woman, challenging traditional gender roles. Lalitaji, with her clear thinking and assertive personality, became a role model for many Indian women. “Isliye toh Surf ki karidari mai hi samajhdaari hai,” were iconic lines which resonated with every Indian homemaker.
3. Bajaj Bulbs
Who can forget the catchy jingle that still plays in our heads? This gem among iconic Indian advertisements effectively used music and repetition to create a memorable brand association. Jab mein chotta bacha tha, badi shararat karta tha….. chances are that if you have watched this advertisement, you just completed the jingle in your head.
4. Pepsi – Yeh hi hai right choice baby…AHA
Featuring A-list celebrities like Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Sachin Tendulkar among others, this campaign tapped into the nation’s love for cricket and bollywood while creating a powerful connection between the brand and the country’s shared passions.
5. Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk – Kuch Khaas Hai:
The ad tapped into the cultural obsession with cricket in India. The simple act of a girl dancing in joy, mirroring the victory of the cricket team, became a symbol of shared national pride and emotion.
6. Pan Parag
This ad, featuring legendary actors Shammi Kapoor and Ashok Kumar, subtly addressed the social issue of dowry, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. This advertisement brought the two stalwarts together for the first and last time.
7. 7UP – Fido Dido
With its quirky and relatable humor, Fido Dido became a beloved mascot, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of a generation. Launched in the early 90’s the humorous antics and relatable situations resonated with audiences of all ages.
8. Dhara – Jalebi
The ad’s simplicity, coupled with the child’s innocent expression and the delicious-looking jalebis, made it an instant hit among iconic Indian advertisement. It successfully conveyed the message that Dhara cooking oil can help create delicious and heartwarming meals, just like the ones made by a mother.
9. Happydent – City Light
The ad featured a fantastical palace built entirely out of everyday objects like light bulbs, umbrellas, and even a man twisted into the shape of a lamppost. This creative approach captured the imagination of viewers and made the ad instantly memorable.
10. Bajaj – Hamara Bajaj
It effectively captured the emotional bond between Indians and their Bajaj motorcycles. The campaign used powerful storytelling and visuals to evoke feelings of patriotism, nostalgia, and family values.
11. Mother Diary – Doodh doodh doodh
The ad’s focus on the purity and quality of the milk, coupled with the catchy jingle, made it a popular choice among viewers. It successfully positioned Mother Dairy as a trusted brand, associated with wholesome and nutritious milk.
12. Vicks – Gale me khich khich
The ad effectively conveyed the message that Vicks could provide relief from a sore throat and other cold symptoms. The jingle was so catchy that it became a popular phrase used by many people to describe a sore throat.
While doing my research to put this list together our author enjoyed watching some of these iconic Indians advertisements with her kids, who said, “If YouTube were to play such kinds of ads then I would never skip them.”
Thank you for the memories!
