EP-356 | Prahlad Kakkar on Aishwarya-Salman Feud, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka, Ad Filmmaking & More

Prahlad Kakkar is one of India’s most iconic ad filmmakers. He is the man behind some of the most memorable commercials in Indian advertising history, including “Yehi Hai Right Choice Baby! Aha!” for Pepsi and the “2 Minutes!” Maggi noodles ad. Known for his sharp wit, creativity, and fearless storytelling, he is called the ‘adman’ of India. For over 40 years, Kakkar has changed how brands talk to people through advertisements.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Prahlad Kakkar talks about the golden era of Indian advertising, his collaborations with Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Priyanka Chopra, and the unforgettable Salman-Aishwarya feud that made headlines.

He shares insights into how ads became a mirror of Indian society, the craft of storytelling in 30 seconds, and why today’s advertising world lacks the madness and maverick spirit it once had.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

00:37 – Iconic Ads

01:30 – Prahlad’s Favourite Ad

06:16 – Pepsi Ad Story

09:37 – Aishwarya’s Pepsi Casting

12:54 – Aamir’s Pepsi Casting

15:55 – Maggi Ad Idea

24:14 – Maggi Ketchup Ad Story

33:03 – Understanding Audience Pulse

37:09 – When Actors Misfit Ads

39:11 – Big B as Perfect Fit for Ad

42:20 – Shabana & Smita Era

47:54 – Aishwarya vs Sushmita

51:18 – Aishwarya–Salman Feud

55:34 – Sridevi & Hema Era

59:30 – Ad Films vs Feature Films

1:00:42 – Deepika–Priyanka 'Clash'

1:02:47 – Quick Reactions on Stars