Kavya Karnatac, an Instagram influencer, has sparked a conversation about ethical considerations in social media by revealing that she rejected a ₹3.6 lakh offer to promote the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The offer, which significantly exceeded her usual rate, was pitched to discuss how the wedding would boost the Indian economy. However, Kavya declined, citing four key reasons.
First, she wanted to maintain the uniqueness and value of her content. She expressed concern about being part of an “overwhelming crowd promoting the same narrative” and being lost in the noise. Second, she emphasized the importance of audience trust, stating that promoting the Ambani wedding felt insincere, especially given recent internet price hikes by Jio, a company owned by the Ambani family. She believes her audience can discern between paid promotions and genuine content.
Third, Kavya raised ethical concerns about promoting a high-profile wedding in a country where marriage faces social barriers. She argued that claiming a wedding could positively impact the Indian economy might not be factually accurate. Lastly, she prioritized her long-term integrity and the loyalty of her followers over short-term financial gain. She believes that integrity builds a loyal following, which is invaluable.
While acknowledging that rejecting such deals is difficult, Kavya emphasizes that it is possible for her at this stage in her career. She understands that others may make different choices based on their circumstances. Her decision to decline the offer has resonated with many online, garnering over 7,500 likes on her LinkedIn post. One user commented, “Hats off to you Kavya Karnatac for staying true to your values in the light of such temptation. Ambani money has practically bought every person one has ever recognised; kudos to you for letting them know – not everyone is for sale. Bravo!!!” Kavya’s story highlights the complex relationship between influencer marketing, ethical considerations, and the pursuit of authenticity in the digital age.
