Indian Railway Official Criticizes Puma Ad Featuring Milind Soman Jogging on Railway Tracks

An advertisement by Puma, featuring fitness model Milind Soman jogging through various terrains including a railway track, has come under scrutiny by Ananth Rupanagudi, an officer from the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS). In the video, Soman is seen traversing a road through a forest before crossing a railway track, which has prompted Rupanagudi to question the appropriateness of the content. Highlighting the potential dangers and legal issues associated with such activities, Rupanagudi took to social media platform X to demand that Puma add a disclaimer to the advertisement to inform viewers that jogging on railway tracks is unsafe and constitutes trespassing.

The call for a disclaimer sparked a broader debate on social media, with opinions divided among users. Some users shared personal anecdotes to suggest that in certain rural areas, railway tracks are commonly used as pathways due to limited access, though this is often on less frequently used tracks where trains are sparse. Others argued that the advertisement might be over-analyzed, suggesting that the inclusion of the railway scene is innocuous and should not be taken as an encouragement to trespass on tracks.

Amid the discussions, concerns were raised regarding the location of the shoot and whether permission was granted if it occurred on actual railway property. One user pointed out the responsibility of Puma as a well-known brand to promote safe practices in its advertising. This controversy underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring that advertisements balance creative expression with public safety and legal constraints.

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