Bollywood brand ambassadors to cut ties with Nirav Modi, Gitanjali Gems

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Feb 21, 2018

As the CBI investigation continues into fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB), several Bollywood celebrities are accusing both the Nirav Modi and Gitanjali Gems jewellery brands of breach of contract over brand deals.

Several Bollywood actresses have accused Nirav Modi and Gitanjali Gems of either failing to pay them or breaching their contracts as brand ambassadors following the companies being accused of fraud. Kangana Ranaut was named as the face of Nakshatra Diamonds, a subsidiary of Gitanjali Gems, in 2016. However, Ranaut’s spokesperson has stated to reporters that: “There are outstandings due on Kangana’s Nakshatra endorsement, beyond the stipulated contract.” Ranaut is therefore looking to distance herself from the brand.

Another Bollywood celebrity, Bipasha Basu, has also spoken out about one of Gitanjali’s subsidiaries. Basu was signed as Gili’s brand ambassador in mid-2008 and has claimed that, although her contract with the brand ended several years ago, photos of her are being used to this day in breach of contract. “Post my contract, for a couple of years till now, Gili used my pics even though legally they can’t,” said Basu in a statement. “My managers then tried their best to stop Gili from using my pictures post my contractual period... but even though we sent them letters, they continued to use my pictures internationally too, because of which I lost many jewellery endorsements.”

Priyanka Chopra, who is currently the face of the Nirav Modi jewellery brand, appearing on all of its social media sites, has announced that she is seeking legal advice about terminating her contract with the label in light of the recent circumstances. Chopra was named as Nirav Modi’s brand ambassador a year ago.