Favorite Commercials - Cola Wars...

Here come the cola wars - Indian style! These are my favorite cola commercials.

Pepsi

Over the years Pepsi has had some fine commercials. Many celebrities have endorsed the drink. Some have crossed over to other drinks, while some remain loyal to Pepsi. Some others endorsed the drink for a while and later disappeared. Regardless, Pepsi has some interesting commercials to say the least. These are my favorite Pepsi commercials.

I had no clue Aishwariya Rai and Amir Khan endorsed Pepsi long before they became Coke people. This one actually shocked me! Yehi hai right choice Baby, Aha!

Check out the adorable Shahid Kapoor in this one! Who wasn't in love with the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai jodi? I love the over the top filmi fantasy coming true theme!

This one made me smile! This one came out during the Hrithik-Kaho Naa Pyar Hai phase! Tara Sharma and the little boy are adorable in this commercial!

I really like this commercial starring SRK, Kareena and Adnan Sami. Venice looks amazing, to say the least. I like the overall theme and feel of this commercial.

Kareena and Preity together along with Fardeen and Saif! This one is a cute two-part commercial. I love how the girls exact their revenge!

Gotta love Sachin Tendulkar. This commercial makes me smile.

Pepsi TV chahiye? For some reason I actually like this dorky commercial. As a plus Priyanka and Kareena look ravishing while SRK plays the smitten puppy easily!

Gotta love a dorky SRK!

John Abraham and SRK are so funny in this commercial! I love the "Uncle" comment!

Coke

Pepsi and Coke are competitors in every market, India is not an exception. Just like Pepsi, Coke too has it's share of celebrity endorsers. Where Pepsi has SRK, Coke has Amir (even though he was an ex-Pepsi endorser!). Coke too has some funny and interesting commercials to their credit. Here are the ones I really enjoyed!

I remember watching this commercial and being totally overwhelmed! Watching Karisma dance and convince me that take a coke, refresh ho ja... I haven't seen any other commercials with Karisma endorsing Coke.

This is such a cute Amir and Aishwariya commercial. I love the whole blind date theme! Makes me smile. Jo chaho ho jaye Coca Coal ho jaye...

I really liked this best-friend commercial. This is where the world was introduced to the Hrithik-Aishwariya jodi. Enjoy!

This one was during the Hrithik craze phase. Everyone wanted to see Hrithik dance all the time! What better Diwali present could there be?!

This one actually made me scream girl power! Thande ka Tadka!

Is there a character in this world that Amir can't play perfectly?! Abbe phil-ower pot, No! Amir plays the tapori perfectly. If I'm not mistaken, isn't that the same ring he had in Ghulam? Na Chatterjee ya Banerjee yeh toh Allergy hai! I love Amir Bhabhi's wit in this commercial. I love the war she teaches NRI Amir lesson about culture and manners. Do sau ka samosa, lao ji lao! This one made me laugh! Sadly, I'm sure this happens to a lot of tourists! Thussi great ho! Flirty Punjabi Amir makes quite an impression. This commercial also stars Shilpa Anand. Thanda matlab Coca-Cola!

Vacaaaaooo! I never thought I would ever hear that word again. But Coke had other plans! I could not stop laughing after watching this retro-inspired Vanilla Coke commercial.

Others

One thing that I've really enjoyed about Sprite commercials would be their spoofs of Pepsi commercials. This one made me laugh and I really enjoyed it! Yeh hai hindustan meri jaan!

Apart from the spoof commercials, Sprite also has very witty commercials. I love the straight-forward attitude in these commercials. Sprite - seedhi baat, no bakwaas!

The guy in this commercial is so annoying - a real Bheja Fry! Bheja Fry? 7 up try!

Salman Khan and Sunil Shetty together! Thums Up commercials always have some sort of interesting stunt in their commercials. I love the action that takes place because the boys don't want to share. Thums Up taste the thunder!

Who better to endorse your product than the original Khiladi himself?! Akshay Kumar's Khiladi image completely echoes Thums Up. A prefect match indeed! Once again, really enjoyed the stunts! (Check out the Pepsi spoof) Akhri Thums Up? Woh kya hota hai...

Rani is adorable in this commercial. I love how the girls ched the boy instead of the other way around! Kya dhakkan hai!

These cute Fanta commercials really made me smile! I like how Genelia's group of girls outsmart the boys every time! I also like the whole retro feel. Fanta dikhao apna asli rang!

This one really made me smile and want to scream Go Gene Go! I like how mom and daughter send the match-making auntie packing! Go Bite!

Favorite Commercials - Classics

Over the years there comes along certain commercials that just win your heart. Growing up in Bombay, these were the commercials that I grew up watching. After a while, these commercials became classics. I'd like to share with you all of these classic commercials which make me smile even today!

Vicco Vajradanti - Toothpaste and Tooth Powder

Every time we went to watch a movie, this commercial played in the theater. After a while, I even memorized the lyrics! This commercials is ageless!

Vicco Turmeric

Another ageless commercial from the Vicco family. This is another commercial that was a regular at the movie theaters while I was growing up. The jingle is timeless! Vicco Turmeric nahi cosmetic, Vicco Turmeric ayurvedic creme! As a plus this commercial stars the beautiful Mrinal Kulkarni, who was last seen essaying the role of Choti Rani in the TV show Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat.

Complan

I love the song that the mom sings in the commercial highlighting the mischief that her growing children are up to. After I watched this commercial, I wanted to try Complan just so that I could sing out loud - I'm a Complan Girl and you're a Complan Mummy! This commercial stars the adorable Ayesha Takia and the cute Shahid Kapoor.

Liril

The Liril song is timeless! Even the new commercials have the same song and the same theme. I remember forcing my mom to get me Liril just so I could sing the Liril song while I showered! La La La La...!

Lijjat Pappad

The singing bunnies used to crack me up every sing time! This is another classic commercial that played on Door Darshan constantly. Khurram Khaaram... I just noticed that this commercial stars Shweta Tiwari who became a household name when she played the part of Prerna is Kasautii Zindigi Kay. In fact, this is one product that I still use and still love!

Fevicol

This is where we got the famous 'dum lagake haisha zor lagake haisha.' When I was little my friends and I would play tug-of-war and almost automatically would start screaming out those words. I was surprised to see Rajkumar Hirani star in this commercial!

Vicks

I practically grew up eating the Vicks ki Goli and singing Vicks ki goli lo, khich khich door karo! I love the graphical representation of the gale mein khich khich. This commercial makes me smile every time!

Nirma

Nirma commercials are so timeless. The models may change. The setting may change. But the Nirma jingle stays the same. Every time I watch this commercial, I just can't help myself. I just have to sing along! I couldn't find an old Nirma commercial so I have jingle instead.

Surf

I love this Lalitaji commercial. I love the way Lalitaji conveys the facts about Surf and puts to ease all of the doubts that the suthradhar presents.

Surf Ultra

This a relatively newer commercial for Surf. The catch phrase - Dhoondte Reh Jaoge became such a craze! I remember pointing out to stains and saying the phrase with the finger movement just the mom and the kids. BTW the little boy in the video is none other than Kunal Khemu.

Tata Tea

This commercial copies the setting of the most iconic songs of the time - Chumma Chumma De De starring the Big B and Kimi Katkar. The commercial stars Anu Agarwal, who made her mark with Aashiqui, and Javed Jaffrey.

Lifebuoy

Lifebuoy hai jahan, tandurusti hai wahan... The Lifebuoy jingle is another one of those jingles that has stayed the same over all these years. I've grown up watching this commercial and singing this song. And yes whenever I used Lifebuoy, I'd automatically sing the song!

Bajaj

Bajaj is truly an Indian company. When thinking of Bajaj commercials, how can a person not sing humara Bajaj....

Revive

I remember watching this commercial when I was little! I even tried to make a tent just like the little kid in the commercial. But my grandmother caught me just in time!

Dhara

How can you not fall in love with Parzan Dastur after you watch this commercial? He is so cute as the little kid who runs from home. I love when his eyes light up when he hears that his mom made some garama-garam jalebis!

Ajanta Clocks

We used to have a little coo-coo clock when I was little but it stopped working after a while. When I watched this commercial, I begged my mom to get a musical clock once again. I love the cute Granny in this commercial and the music!

Leher Pepsi

This was the commercial that came up with the jingle - yahi hai right choice baby... Aha! I totally remember watching this commercial, wide-eyed, taking in the lavish setting and the models in red! I was mesmerized!

Special Mention

Mile Sur Mera Tumhara

This songs highlights India's unity in diversity. Listening to this song and watching the video brings back so many memories which is why I am not a fan of the revised, modern version this inspirational song. Please check out Phir Mile Sur Hamara Tumhara and form your own opinion about it.

Original Vs. Remix III

After praising The Good and mentioning The Bad, it's finally time to consider The Ugly. Over a couple years, I've come across these Ugly remixes. A common theme in The Bad and The Ugly remixes is the unnecessary sexiness. It is way over the top and completely not required. Some of the original songs happen to be songs that I really like and when I saw these horrible remixes, I was just shocked. Those melodies do not deserve such horrible treatment!

And finally, The Ugly:

Jia Bekarar Hai from Barsaat (1949), Shankar Jaikishan

This song is about a girl singing about all the thoughts and feelings that go through her heart when she waits for her lover to return to her. It is a cute song and full of emotions. To say the least the remix does not maintain the innocence of the original. The video involves the skimpily clad model wriggling around and groping the male lead - complete opposite of the original song.

Hawa Mein Udta Jaye from Barsaat (1949), Shankar Jaikishan

This is another cute song about a girl and her laal duaptta malmal ka. Once again this song has an innocent charm about it. Moreover, Lata Mangeshkar's young voice adds youth and lightness to the song. I was shocked to find this remix by the Bombay Vikings. I've enjoyed all of their previous remixes but this one struck out. First off, I enjoyed their previous remixes because of the new lyrics, beat and the funny videos. This time the song sounds okay but I was put off by the typical remix video - sexy girl(s) dancing all around the singer. I expected something more original. (Just as a side note this video features Gauhar Khan and Mumaith Khan and it still failed to make an impression!)

Chad Gayo Papi Bichua from Madhumati (1958), Salil Chowdhury

This is actually one of my favorite songs. I still remember the first time I watched Madhumati. I absolutely loved the movie. I fell in love with all of the songs. This song is a village/folk song that takes place during a pivotal part in the movie. When I found this remix, I instantly came to dislike it. Nothing in the remix remotely relates to the original village/folk setting and feel of the song. Also the dance moves in the video are not that appealing and needlessly provocative. As a side note, this video does star the yummy Vivaan Bhatena (he's the only plus point of this video!).

Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya from Phagun (1958), O.P. Nayyar

Okay I'm not sure where to begin. First off, I don't see how Toxic even fits with this song. Second, why is Sophie dressed like a hooker in half the song? No wonder the poor guy is confused! And finally, Sophie needs to work on her voice. The original is a Madhubala classic with vocals by Lata Mangeskar and Mohd. Rafi. Overall the song doesn't sound horrible but this could have been much better.

Aaja Piya Tohe Pyar Doon from Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), R.D. Burman

Aren't all of you glad I put up the really short version of this disastrous remix? Everything about this remix is pathetic. The models are horrible. The vocals are worse and the video is just plain trashy. The original is a Lata Mangeshkar classic. This remix is an insult to her talent. R.D. Burman must be rolling in his grave.

Rangeela Re from Prem Pujari (1970), S.D. Burman

Let's just say I am not a fan of Deepal Shaw's schoolgirl-gone-wild remixes. This is another installment in that horrible series. I must say though that I love the concept of remixing Rangeela Re from Rangeela (music by none other than the amazing A.R. Rahman) and Rangeela Re from Prem Pujari. The song sounds good but could have been much better if an accomplished singer provided the vocals. Once again the video is pathetic. What's weird is that there are two videos for the exact same song and both of them are pathetic. Check out video # 2 at your own risk!

Kitna Pyaara Vaada from Caravan (1971), R.D. Burman

First of all let it be known, I love the movie Caravan and love all of the songs. I could not believe my ears when I heard this remix and I wanted to become blind after I saw the video. Okay I'm exaggerating but that doesn't lessen the impact this horrible remix had on me. The beginning was weird and then the song didn't get any better. The original is a Mohd. Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar classic with loads of soul and romance. The vocals in this remix are a little to techno-like for me. All that's left in this remix is sexiness!

Bangle Ke Peeche (Kaanta Laga) from Samadhi (1972), R.D. Burman

All right for this one I'm actually divided. I sort of like how the remix sounds but absolutely hate the lewdness of the video. I'm not sure if this one belongs in The Ugly pile or The Bad pile. Regardless, the overall feel makes this is a blah remix. The original stars the cute and bubbly Asha Parekh and the vocals are provided by the timeless Lata Mangeshkar.

Mera Babu Chhail Chabila from Man Ki Jeet (1972), M. Ashraf

By now I'm sure you can guess that I'm not really a fan of Sophie's remixes. The beginning of the video threw me off. The whole Aladin/Arabian Nights feel was a little weird. Then the scene changed to reality. BTW Sophie's clothes reminded me of Kareena's costume in Chameli. Anyway, the last par to of the video did not make sense to me. How did the super traditional girl end up in a club wearing a strapless shirt nonetheless? The original song is actually from a Pakistani movie, Mann Ki Jeet. The vocals are provided by Runa Laila and the song stars Shabnum.

Main Hoon Don from Don (1978), Kalyanji – Anandji

What the heck is this? Is this even a remix?! I did not expect this from DJ Aqueel. I loved his remix of Yeh Vaada Raha. When I saw that he had also remixed Main Hoon Don, I expected this one to be even but my hopes were shattered when I heard this song. I expected the video to be on the provocative side but I just can't get over the robotic voice. The original of course has Amitabh Bachchan in one of his most iconic roles with vocals provided by the amazing Kishore Kumar.

Yeh Mera Dil from Don (1978), Kalyanji – Anandji

First off, what is up with the vocals?! The song sounds horrible - Cheeky Girls?! Cheeky Boys?! I hate to see a Helen classic being murdered. Another thing bothering me about this video - what the heck is Bobby Darling doing in this video? Everything in video throws me off. I do not like the Bachelor Party theme at all. As a side note, this video also stars Tanushree Dutta and Mumaith Khan.

Tauba Tauba from Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Rajesh Roshan

The first time I heard this remixed version, I almost puked. The vocals are horrible. They are so jarring and loud and completely unlike the teasing voice of Asha Bhosle in the original. Rekha is cute and performs the song well. She even does the Nagin dance well! The video of the remix on the other hand is just weird. The whole hot girl-school boy romance story just does not work for this song. On the whole, this remix continues to leave a bad taste.

Le Gayi Le Gayi from Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Uttam Singh



This is a classic Karisma Kapoor song made better by Asha Bhosle providing the vocals. I love the way this song was used as an introduction song. I still remember sitting in the movie theater watching this song with wide eyes! So imagine my surprise when I came across this remix version of the song. I was taken aback by the nastiness. This song deserves a better remix than this. The vocals are horrible. The beats are horrible. I'm actually surprised this song stars Nandini Singh, Rakesh Bapat and Iqbal Khan, all well-known television actors.

Retro Classics... Part IV

Now it's time for my fourth and final installment of Retro Bollywood Classics. So far I've posted many of my favorites and even a few new discoveries.

Unse Pyaar Ho Gaya from Badal (1951)

Madhubala charms in this sweet song! She's so beautiful in this song. I love her expressions and her happiness!

Mera Joota Hai Japani from Shree 420 (1955)

Is there any Bolylwood fan who is not aware of this song? This song is a classic and will always be. Raj Kapoor is know as a master filmmaker not without reason. This song is simple yet says so much.

Ramaya Vasta Vaya from Shree 420 (1955)

Another Raj Kapoor classic. I just love the simplicity of this song. Even without any fancy music, this song still manages to capture the heart.

Mere Sapne Mein Aana Re from Rajhat (1956)

Madhubala looks beautiful as a Rajput-style princess. I love the innocence and the simplicity of this song.

Jahan Main Jaati Hoon from Chori Chori (1956)

I remember watching the video if this song when I was little. I loved the puppet parts so much I even tried my hand at it (and failed miserably!) Anyway, this song brings back so many cherished memories.

Sar Par Topi Laal from Tumsa Nahi Dekha (1957)

One person makes this song - Shammi Kapoor. I just love his cool attitude and fun loving spirit!

Achha Ji Main Haari from Kalapani (1958)

Can Madhubala be any cuter? She is absolutely adorable in this song as she tries to calm her rootha lover!

Ruk Jao Naa Jee from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)

Another song made special by Madhubala.

Bade Hain Dil Ke Kaale from Dil Dheke Dekho (1958)

A young and fresh-faced Asha Parekh tries to resist the charming Shammi Kapoor in this song. As a side note, I really like their pairing. They were amazing in Teesri Manzil as well!

Khoya Khoya Chand from Kala Baazar (1960)

Dev Anand at his charming and romantic best. I really love the innocence and cuteness that Nutan adds to this song.

Mohabbat Ki Jhooti Kahani from Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

This is such a classic song from an iconic movie. All of the songs from Mughal-e-Azam are spectacular. It was very difficult to choose just one!

Abhi Naa Jao Choodkar from Hum Do (1961)

I love Sadhna's innocence and Dev Anand's charm in this melodious song.

Koi Humdam Na Raha from Jhumroo (1961)

This is such a soulful song by Kishore Kumar. I couldn't find a video of the complete song. Even then just listening to this song conveys it message beautifully.

Yamma Yamma from China Town (1962)

Helen and Shammi Kapoor - How could I resist?

Humse Na Poocho from China Town (1962)

Ladies and Gentlemen, the charming Shammi Kapoor once again.

Mora Gora Ang Laile from Bandini (1963)

This song is so simple, yet so meaningful and melodious. I love Nutan's expressions with Lata Mangeshkar's voice.

Tujhko Mera Pyar Pukare from Gumraah (1963)

The handsome Sunil Dutt and the charming Mala Sinha truely make this song Retro Classic!