Top Indian Ads Who Rule the Era
Before the age of skippable YouTube ads and Instagram reels, advertisements on Indian television were more than just product pitches — they were cultural bookmarks, etched into the collective memory of a generation. The ‘90s and early 2000s were a golden era for Indian ads, marked by creativity, emotion, and unforgettable jingles.
These ads didn’t just sell; they told stories, reflected societal values, and often became as iconic as the products they endorsed.
1) Fevicol’s Overloaded Truck Ad is one of the most memorable examples of humour in Indian advertising. A single truck groaning under the weight of an entire village, yet not breaking apart — all to showcase the incredible strength of Fevicol adhesive. With no celebrity endorsements or dramatic visuals, the ad stood out through simplicity and wit.
2) Cadbury Dairy Milk’s Cricket Ad still brings a smile to many faces. In this commercial, a girl joyously runs onto a cricket field, dancing uninhibitedly as her boyfriend scores a century. It beautifully captured the sweetness of celebration and broke societal norms of restrained feminine expression — all while linking those emotions to the joy of chocolate.
3) The Lijjat Papad Ad, which used a bunny puppet that clucked, was cute, somewhat quirky, and totally memorable. It added character to a down-to-earth papad brand and made the puppet a household name that kids and adults alike remembered in terms of quality and heritage.
4) Mile Sur Mera Tumhara wasn’t a commercial in the conventional sense — it was a national integration song. With artists, sports persons, and people from all over India singing in various languages, it talked of unity in diversity and gave one that pride which wasn’t limited by linguistic or regional lines.
5) Hamara Bajaj, likewise, was not merely about a scooter. The ad made Bajaj a vehicle of Indian aspirations — traveling through villages, cities, and towns, it represented progress and middle-class aspiration. Its slogan became a national mantra, affirming the brand’s strong emotional bond with Indian families.
6) Nirma Washing Powder provided yet another jingle which many remember till this day. With images of strong housewives and dancing girls, it positioned itself as the preferred cleaning agent for diligent Indian homes. The music, the dance moves, and the swagger of “Hema, Rekha, Jaya aur Sushma” became legendary.
7) Amul’s Topical Ads, on the other hand, showcased the brilliance of consistent, socially relevant marketing. The Amul girl’s cheeky one-liners and timely commentary on current events made these print ads a weekly delight — combining humour, awareness, and brand reinforcement.
8) Vicco Turmeric Ayurvedic Cream commercials emphasised traditional beauty and Ayurvedic wisdom long before “clean beauty” became a buzzword. Its jingles promoted skin care rooted in Indian culture, bridging generations.
9) Liril Waterfall Ad, who can forget the A girl frolicking under a waterfall became a symbol of freshness, freedom, and feminine liberation. It was one of the first ads in India to use sensuality tastefully — a game-changer for soap advertising.
10) Dhara’s Jalebi Boy brought tears and smiles in equal measure. The simple tale of a boy running away from home, only to return for jalebis, powerfully conveyed the emotional pull of home-cooked food and love — making Dhara a household name.
These ads may have aired decades ago, but their impact still lingers. They weren’t just marketing efforts; they were emotional experiences that connected with people at a human level — reminding us that great storytelling always sticks.