Why this painting is making the ad fraternity nostalgic

The last few days have seen the ad fraternity as well as people from all walks of life trying to crack a painting puzzle. The 3 ft by 2 ft painting that was set up at the ZeeMELT event in Mumbai last week, achieved viral status once shared on social media. Though there was no credit shared for the painting, it was done by a team from BBDO India along with some outside assistance. The painting is a result of a “casual chat” between BBDO India and Anant Rangaswami, Editor, ZeeMELT. 

The painting features 45 iconic Indian ads done over the last 30-40 years. The 70s, 80s ad 90s kids will recall these ads – from the Amul Girl, Cadbury’s dancing Girl, Liril waterfall girl, Happydent to VIP Frenchie, Surf’s Lalitaji, Nirma’s twirling girl, Kapil Dev in the Palmolive shaving cream ad and much more. 

The ads have been taking the ad fraternity on a nostalgic trip as they try to recognise as many as they can. Not only this, for the millennials, it has been a lesson in the how these ads have been able to create a brand connect even decades after they had first appeared.

Commenting on the response received, Josy Paul, Chairman and CCO, BBDO India, said, “It’s a labour of love and we are thrilled to see the response from the industry, and beyond. Honestly, we did not expect such a fantastic response.” 

Speaking on how the painting came about, Paul said, “We did this painting because it was waiting to be done. It started as freewheeling conversation with Anant Rangaswamy. Anant had this idea of creating a poster of hidden clues of the most memorable Indian ads. I jumped at the idea. It sounded great. We built on this – what would a Renaissance artist do if he or she was asked to create a painting of Indian advertising. How would he or she bring together the sharpest, most powerful images that made these campaigns memorable? What is the geography and location of the subjects in the painting? These provocations led us to the piece of art you see – created by a collaboration of artists from BBDO India and external partners.”

Can you spot all the ads? Listed below are some of the iconic TVCs and campaigns that will help jog your memory.