Puma accused of defacing Indian heritage for shoe commercial

Global sportswear giant Puma has been accused of damaging the 17 century- architecture in Delhi's historic quarter as part of an advertisement to promote a new line of their shows.

The centuries-old building which was spray painted with graffiti is located at Shahjahanabad in old Delhi. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

The video has been shot in Delhi, Mumbai, Madurai, and Shillong, and 7 street artists, 8 rappers, and 36 hip-hop dancers collaborated for the video.

To watch the video:

"It's a heritage area. You can't just go and paint what you like," said Swapna Liddle from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. Reported by AFP

Liddle further expressed her anger in a Facebook post saying that "Permanent damage has been done to the carved sandstone, limestone plaster, and Lahori bricks. Those who made and approved this advertisement, those who stood by while this was done, are all responsible for this insensitive treatment."

Other people were also seen lashing out at the Puma on social media.