If you grew up in the ‘90s, chances are your evenings were less about Netflix and more about Doordarshan, cable TV, and jingles that lived rent-free in your head. Ads back then weren’t just commercials; they were mini-movies that shaped our childhood. And now, as Diwali is around the corner, you can’t help but notice how seamlessly chocolates have become part of the festivities. When someone says Diwali and sweets in the same breath, it’s not just about laddoos and barfis anymore — it’s also about the iconic purple-wrapped Cadbury Dairy Milk.
Let’s rewind to the ads that made us fall in love with it, and still spark that same festive warmth today.
The ‘90s Game-Changer – “Real Taste of Life”
In the ‘90s, cricket was worshiped, and girls were told to sit on the sidelines. That’s when Cadbury flipped the script with its “Real Taste of Life” ad. Who can forget the girl dancing onto the pitch after her boyfriend hits a six? Breaking barriers with the same ease as biting into Dairy Milk. It wasn’t just an ad; it was liberation disguised as chocolate. Suddenly, Dairy Milk wasn’t just sweet — it was bold, fresh, and way ahead of its time.
Cadbury Dairy Milk and Cricket are back
And then, almost 25 years later, Cadbury brings back the same ad to a changed India– “#GoodLuckGirls.”
In a genius move, Cadbury reimagined this Ad and gave it a modern spin. This time, it wasn’t a boy at the crease — it was a female cricketer smashing the winning six, as her male partner broke into the same joyous dance on the sidelines. It wasn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it was a powerful statement about how far India has come in conversations about gender and equality. Cadbury showed that while the joy of celebration remains the same, the face of the hero can change — and that change is beautiful.
Cadbury Dairy Milk wishes #GoodLuckGirls to all those hitting it out of the park.
Rituals Made Sweeter – “Shubh AArambh”
The one where Cadbury declared weddings aren’t complete without Dairy Milk. From the “shubharambh” tune to the sweet exchange and a new friendship at a wedding — it became a symbol of how chocolate could belong to our traditions, like mithai during festivals
"Pappu Pass Ho Gaya"
This one turned exam results into a national celebration. When Pappu, the underdog, finally passed, the entire neighborhood erupted with joy — and Dairy Milk became the sweetest way to say “congratulations.” It wasn’t just an ad; it was every student’s dream moment captured in 30 seconds.
The Diwali Ads
Over the years, Cadbury turned every Diwali into a purple-wrapped celebration. From the early “nayi mithai” campaigns with diyas and rangolis to the recent “Iss Diwali Aapne Kise Khush Kiya?” ads, Cadbury reminded us that festivals are about sharing joy beyond our own families. Whether it was a brother sneaking chocolate into his sister’s gift box, or a neighbor surprising another with Dairy Milk, these ads captured the heart of Diwali in the most relatable, everyday way.
Modern Twists – “Khanewalon Ko Bahana Chahiye”
With millennials and Gen Z craving relatability, Cadbury shifted gears to light, funny storytelling. The ads celebrated quirky excuses to share chocolate—because let’s face it, no one really needs a reason. The purple bar simply became shorthand for love, laughter, and excuses to snack.
From rebellion to rituals, Cadbury Dairy Milk has stayed at the heart of India’s sweetest moments. It didn’t just adapt to society—it nudged it forward, one jingle, one celebration, and one purple bar at a time!