Recently, I was offered 3.6 lakhs for Ambani’s PR activation.
My task? To discuss how Ambani’s wedding would boost the Indian economy. The offer far exceeded my usual rate of around 3 lakhs, and my parents even urged me to accept it. However, I decided to decline.
Here’s why:
1. Oversaturation and Personal Brand: I didn’t want to be part of an overwhelming crowd promoting the same narrative. It’s easy to get lost in the noise. I believe in maintaining the distinctiveness and value of my content, which thrives on diversity and originality. Aligning with an overly promoted narrative like Ambani’s wedding would dilute my brand’s uniqueness.
2. Audience Trust: At a time when Jio has increased internet charges, promoting a corporate giant like Ambani felt insincere. Trust is fragile and built over time through consistent honesty. My audience is discerning; they can differentiate between paid promotions and genuine content. Thus, preserving their trust is crucial.
3. Ethical Concerns: In a country where marriages are often canceled due to caste, class, gender, and religion, promoting a high-profile wedding that conforms to these norms didn’t align with my values. As an educator and creator, promoting such an event could be misleading. It’s more suited for fashion or lifestyle influencers. While I’ve previously worked with Ambani, promoting Vantara, claiming that a wedding could positively impact the Indian economy might not be factually accurate.
4. Personal Integrity: A 3.6 lakh deal is tempting. However, the long-term benefits of maintaining my integrity far outweigh the short-term financial gain. Integrity builds a loyal following, which is invaluable.
Saying no to such deals can be challenging. Fortunately, I’m at a stage in my career where I can make these choices. Not everyone can or should say no—it’s a personal decision based on individual circumstances.
This article is written by Kavya Karnatac
