An old advertisement for Fastrack watches featuring cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Genelia D’Souza has resurfaced on social media, reigniting public debate and criticism over its controversial content that led to it being banned shortly after release.
The ad, which first aired years ago, portrays Genelia as a flight attendant seducing pilot Virat mid-flight. The pilot, giving in to temptation, switches the aircraft to autopilot mode to engage in an intimate moment with her—implying a reckless disregard for passenger safety. The bold storyline was widely condemned at the time and pulled off air due to its provocative content and questionable messaging.
The clip recently resurfaced on Reddit, with users recalling the backlash the ad received. “The ad was so controversial that it got banned almost immediately after release,” wrote one Reddit user. Another remarked, “Just watched it again—definitely ban-worthy.”
Some netizens questioned the choices of the celebrities involved. One comment read, “How did Genelia agree to do this, considering the conservative family she was about to marry into?” Others drew humorous comparisons with Bollywood films and poked fun at Kohli’s social media persona.
A portion of viewers also criticized the ad for “disrespecting aviation professionals” and setting a dangerous precedent, especially with regard to pilot responsibilities and aircraft safety.
Despite the ban on television, the video remains available on platforms like YouTube, continuing to provoke reactions years after its initial release.
The controversy serves as a reminder of how advertising content can cross ethical lines and spark lasting public scrutiny, especially when high-profile figures are involved.