A recent PolicyBazaar advertisement has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with viewers labeling the ad as “insensitive” and “vile.” The commercial, which aired during a high-profile India-Pakistan cricket match, depicts a woman expressing frustration over her deceased husband’s failure to purchase term life insurance.
The ad, which was part of a campaign launched more than a year ago, shows the woman lamenting the financial challenges she now faces, including school fees and household expenses. As the camera focuses on a framed photograph of her late husband, adorned with a garland, she says, “You left without even buying term life insurance.”
The ad’s execution has drawn sharp rebukes online. One X user wrote, “A man just passed away, and the first thing his wife does is blame him for not buying term insurance? This isn’t financial awareness, it’s just insensitive storytelling.” Another commenter echoed this sentiment, calling the ad “disgusting” and urging PolicyBazaar to remove it.
Criticism focused on the tone and delivery of the woman’s lines. Some viewers described her dialogue as filled with “rage” and “disdain” toward her late husband. This perceived insensitivity has led to widespread condemnation of the ad’s creators and the company itself.
This incident follows other instances of advertising campaigns facing backlash for insensitive messaging. Last year, an IndiGo campaign was criticized for allegedly misrepresenting feminism. These incidents highlight the importance of carefully considering cultural sensitivities and audience perceptions when crafting advertising campaigns.
