The ‘LALU’ Brand in Rural Bihar

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The dolls were an exact caricature of Lalu complete with his trademark white kurtha and pyjama and silver strands of hair falling over the head. The price of each doll was Rs 125. Apart from these, there were several other products such as ‘Lalu Khaini’ (tobacco powder), ‘Lalu Sattu Cola’ (a kind of cola drink), and ‘Lalu Lemons Choos’ (lemonade). It was also reported that local barbers and saloons were profiting by offering the ‘Lalu hair cut,’ which was defined by the strands of hair falling over the forehead. A barber was quoted as saying that the style was a craze among the youth and policemen.

In February 2006, a software company called Wiantech launched an online dating service website www.laloorabri.com.

The company said that it was inspired by the matrimonial bond between Lalu and his wife Rabri Devi, and therefore decided to name the website after them. The company claimed to have got 30,000 hits within the first fifteen days of the website’s launch.

Lalu was famous in India for his rustic humor. He had inspired several comedy shows in television in the past like the serial titled ‘Ram Khelawan & Family,’ which was a spoof on him and his family. Lalu had even made a guest appearance in the full length Hindi feature film titled ‘Padmashri Lalu Prasad Yadav’.

When it was pointed out that his name was being used to sell products and services, Lalu took the entire situation in a lighter vein. He said that he could not do anything about the phenomenon and was happy that someone was able to earn their livelihood on account of his name. His party members were also happy and they claimed that it showed the popularity of their leader.

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