Actor Annu Kapoor, widely recognized for his work in films and television, recently made headlines for his appearance in a viral commercial for sexual wellness brand, Durex India. The ad, which blends humour and a strong message, has sparked widespread reactions across the internet. However, while netizens may have found it amusing, Kapoor himself doesn’t see any humour in the topic of sexual health and protection. Instead, he views the campaign as an opportunity to impart valuable life lessons to the younger generation.
In an interview with News18, Kapoor opened up about the ad, his thoughts on the public's response, and the deeper message he intended to convey through his participation in the campaign. At the heart of his perspective is the belief that sex is a sacred part of human life, and it should be treated with seriousness and respect, not trivialized.
The Viral Durex Ad: A Grandparent’s Message
The Durex ad features Annu Kapoor delivering a witty yet insightful message about the importance of using condoms to ensure safe sex. The actor’s portrayal of a wise elder offering practical advice to the younger generation is what makes the ad stand out. While the audience appreciated the humour in his delivery, Kapoor is clear that his intention was not to provoke laughter, but to raise awareness in a responsible and relatable way.
“I’ve heard about how the internet has been reacting,” Kapoor said in the interview. “Audiences have taken it in a positive manner with a pinch of wit and humour. But they aren’t mocking it. This is exactly what the product wanted to achieve and they’ve achieved it.”
The actor expressed that he was drawn to the ad because it aligned with his personal values. He saw it as an opportunity to speak to younger audiences from the perspective of an elder, someone they might look up to for guidance in sensitive matters like sexual health. “This old man is telling youngsters to take precautions and be careful,” he said. “Some of them may be of the age of my grandchildren. I’m giving them the right direction and lesson as a grandparent in a very entertaining way.”
Kapoor emphasized that he wanted the message to come across as a life lesson rather than a lecture. He believed the ad struck the right balance between entertainment and education, offering a light-hearted yet serious reminder about the importance of safe sex.
Educating Without Lecturing: A Life Lesson
One of the key aspects of the Durex campaign that resonated with Annu Kapoor was the manner in which it communicated its message. He shared that he doesn’t believe in preaching or giving lectures, especially to the younger generation, as it often falls on deaf ears. Instead, he wants to share his life experiences with them in a rational and approachable way.
“I don’t want to give lectures to the youth. That’s not my approach. They don’t need a sermon. What they need is someone to share the lessons life has taught in a rational way. That’s what I aim to do,” said Kapoor.
In the ad, Kapoor’s character acts as a mentor or grandparent figure, offering his wisdom on the importance of protection in an entertaining, non-judgmental tone. He felt that the message was well-received by the audience, particularly because it wasn’t delivered in a preachy manner. By blending humour with a clear call to action, the ad succeeded in catching attention while also educating viewers.
Sex: A Sacred Act
Kapoor didn’t shy away from discussing his personal views on sex and its place in human life. For him, sex is a sacred act that is integral to human existence, and it should be approached with the reverence and care it deserves.
“Sex is one of the most sacred and important physical aspects of human life,” he explained. “It is not something to be taken lightly or joked about. In our culture, sex is seen as a divine gift—‘parmatma ke diye gaye anupam vardaano mein se sex ek vardaan hai.’ (Sex is one of the most unique blessings given by God).”
For Kapoor, sex is not just a biological function or an act of pleasure; it’s a profound experience that connects people on a deeper level. He believes that young people need to be educated about this aspect of life in a responsible way, which is why he took part in the Durex campaign. The use of humour was simply a vehicle to deliver the message, not the message itself.
The Role of Condoms: ‘A True Friend’
Another aspect of the ad that Annu Kapoor highlighted was the importance of condoms in ensuring sexual health and safety. He referred to condoms as a “true friend” that can protect individuals from unwanted consequences, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancies.
In his role as the grandfather figure in the ad, Kapoor’s character makes it clear that condoms are not just about preventing pregnancy, but also about promoting overall sexual health and responsibility. By normalizing the use of condoms and encouraging open conversations about them, Kapoor hopes to break down the stigma that often surrounds the topic of safe sex.
In the interview, Kapoor further elaborated on his personal motivations for participating in the campaign. “I feel fortunate and blessed that they [the younger generation] still love and respect me. I’m going to be 70, what else do I want at this age? I truly urge them to take protection during sex. It’s not something to be embarrassed about; it’s a responsible choice,” he said.
Moving Beyond Stand-Up Comedy
While the ad has garnered plenty of laughs online, Kapoor is firm in his stance that sex, and by extension sexual health, is not a topic that should be reduced to stand-up comedy. He acknowledges that humour can be an effective way to engage people in important conversations, but he cautions against treating such topics frivolously.
“In this day and age, everything has become material for jokes, but there are some things that should be respected. Sex is one of them,” Kapoor said. “Yes, people laugh, but deep down, they know the importance of the message. That’s what matters to me.”
Annu Kapoor’s appearance in the viral Durex India ad has sparked conversations about the role of humour in addressing serious topics like sexual health. While the actor acknowledges the wit and humour that the campaign employed, he remains focused on the larger message: that sex is a sacred act that deserves respect, and that using condoms is a responsible, necessary part of ensuring sexual well-being.
For Kapoor, this ad wasn’t just another commercial—it was an opportunity to educate, to mentor, and to share a crucial life lesson in a way that resonates with young people. And while the internet may have had its laughs, Kapoor hopes that the takeaway from his message is one of responsibility, safety, and respect.