As a single, female traveller, the one thing I bank on while travelling on a flight – any flight – is a very low chance of getting molested, eyeballed or pick-pocketed on a plane and being left to protect myself. The airlines I choose to fly with have at least a veneer of being safe. You believe that the crew will protect you if something untoward happens. Take, for example, an airline that has a friendly, avuncular, older gentleman standing with his hands folded in welcome as a mascot: it just iterates the air of safety.
The Air India Maharajah exuded a feeling of friendliness and hospitality. Yes, he looked like a hybrid of Vinod Dua and Parikshit Sahni in fancy dress, but all in all, he seemed an affable, trustworthy sort. Frankly, he was the only thing going for Air India (and perhaps their hot meals). But the Maharajah has been killed off in one cruel move. In his stead, Air India has revealed their new mascot. And just the sight of him makes me want to stock up on pepper spray before boarding an Air India flight.
Let me describe the new mascot to you. He still has a twirled moustache, but gone are the royal turban and robes. Instead, we have a dude with a man purse, threaded raised eyebrows, spiked hair, and a smartphone that has his full concentration. He has obviously been inspired by Ranveer Singh’s roles in Band Baaja Baarat and Goliyon ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela. Why would I feel kindly towards an airline mascot who is busy playing games (or watching porn) on his smartphone, instead of paying attention to the traveller (ie me)? He looks like the louts you see in the corner of Lajpat Nagar market, who wink at you and call out “Oye kya maal hai” in the hope of some attention.
The new mascot is worrying for reasons other than his roadside Lothario attributes. You see, this is what Air India thinks the “aam aadmi” looks like.
19/01/15 Rajyasree Sen/First Post
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The Air India Maharajah exuded a feeling of friendliness and hospitality. Yes, he looked like a hybrid of Vinod Dua and Parikshit Sahni in fancy dress, but all in all, he seemed an affable, trustworthy sort. Frankly, he was the only thing going for Air India (and perhaps their hot meals). But the Maharajah has been killed off in one cruel move. In his stead, Air India has revealed their new mascot. And just the sight of him makes me want to stock up on pepper spray before boarding an Air India flight.
Let me describe the new mascot to you. He still has a twirled moustache, but gone are the royal turban and robes. Instead, we have a dude with a man purse, threaded raised eyebrows, spiked hair, and a smartphone that has his full concentration. He has obviously been inspired by Ranveer Singh’s roles in Band Baaja Baarat and Goliyon ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela. Why would I feel kindly towards an airline mascot who is busy playing games (or watching porn) on his smartphone, instead of paying attention to the traveller (ie me)? He looks like the louts you see in the corner of Lajpat Nagar market, who wink at you and call out “Oye kya maal hai” in the hope of some attention.
The new mascot is worrying for reasons other than his roadside Lothario attributes. You see, this is what Air India thinks the “aam aadmi” looks like.
19/01/15 Rajyasree Sen/First Post
