The past week was all about Ranveer Singh’s nude photoshoot for Paper magazine, with the actor’s ‘bum’ turning into a ‘national’ issue on prime-time television. While the nude photoshoot got several celebrities and followers to shower words of praise, some groups ‘showed support for the actor’ by organising cloth donation drives. The act has also invited a court case against the actor for ‘outraging the modesty of women’.

Irrespective of the mixed reactions from the public, the bold photoshoot is set to boost Ranveer’s brand image, say industry insiders.

A celebrity manager, on the conditions of anonymity, said: “Any chatter is good chatter when it comes to making bold statements like these. It’s not the first time that a celebrity has gone nude for a photoshoot, and certainly not the last time as well. People who are outraging against it are only adding to the massive clout that Ranveer Singh has. I don’t think this could lead to even a minor dent in his brand image. He will continue to attract brand attention like always.”

One of the most popular and highest paid actors in India, Singh is endorsing over 30 brands at the moment, including the likes of MakeMyTrip, Ching’s, Thumbs Up, Xiaomi, Bingo, Maruti Suzuki, among others. According to industry estimates, he charges anywhere between Rs 7 crore to Rs 12 crore for a year's brand deal.

Infectious Advertising Head of Art (Creative) Imran Khan further states, “Every action has an equally variable reaction. We live in an age where people are ready with their reactions faster than the action itself. And Ranveer breaking the internet is not new - from over-the-top ensembles, scenes from his movies, or swapping pants for skirts. But now that he's bared it all, Ranveer has out-Ranveered himself. Frankly, no matter how people react, it's a win-win for him. While voices of support strengthen 'Brand Ranveer', even negative reactions attract eyeballs - both of which mean more time in the limelight.

The bottom line is that it is a bold step. One that will boost his brand value, despite the noise that surrounds him. And honestly, we wouldn't expect anything less bold from Ranveer Singh, would we?”

Certainly not, as Singh is known to make bold statements – be it with his fashion sense or choice of roles, or how he behaves in public. The industry insiders feel that the decision to go nude for a photoshoot lines up so very well with his brand image that it doesn’t feel like an oddity – which works more in the favour of the actor.

Brand-Nomics MD Viren Razdan sums up the discussion by saying, “Loud & Proud – Ranveer’s photoshoot is nothing but builds on his bold sexy crazy image. While it will be getting ‘mixed’ reactions from different sections of the press and wise opinionated people his attitude stays calmly above all this. While his photoshoot was a tribute overshoot, similar instances involving Milind Soman and Madhu Sapre kicked a lot of dust, but hardly anyone remembers the naysayers.”