The online feud between comedian Kunal Kamra and Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal continues to escalate, this time fueled by a deepfake video and the plummeting stock value of Ola Electric. The controversy began when Kamra voiced concerns over Ola’s poor track record in after-sales service, prompting Aggarwal’s arrogant response: a challenge for Kamra to spend a day at a service center.
Kamra, undeterred, has now released a video compilation showcasing a plethora of complaints from Ola Electric users on Twitter, alongside a LiveMint article highlighting the company’s struggles. The video cleverly features a deepfake of Aggarwal declaring, “Mujhe farak nhi padhta (I don’t care),” using clips from “Bal Sant Baba” Abhinav Arora’s interviews.
This provocative move comes as Ola Electric Mobility’s shares took a significant hit on Tuesday, dropping by nearly 4% in intraday trading, hitting a new low of ₹ 74.82 and dipping below its initial public offering (IPO) price of ₹ 76 for the first time since listing. This downturn is a stark contrast to the initial positive market sentiment surrounding the company’s listing on August 9th, 2024.
Social media buzz surrounding the ongoing saga reveals a mix of reactions. Some users echo Kamra’s sentiment, expressing their dissatisfaction with Ola’s customer service and accusing Aggarwal of prioritizing profit over customer satisfaction. Others defend Aggarwal, attributing the stock dip to broader market trends and dismissing Kamra’s critiques as a publicity stunt.
The feud is a stark reminder of the power of social media in today’s business world. Kamra’s relentless online campaign, fueled by a large following and the genuine grievances of Ola customers, has undoubtedly impacted Ola’s public image.
This conflict raises crucial questions about corporate responsibility, customer service in the digital age, and the impact of social media on businesses. Will Aggarwal’s arrogant approach cost Ola dearly, or will the company manage to weather this storm and regain the trust of its customers? Only time will tell.
