TNI Bureau: The recent tilak-bindi controversy involving Lenskart has not only sparked a cultural and social debate but also impacted the company financially. The issue, which began over alleged restrictions on traditional symbols like bindi and tilak, quickly escalated on social media, leading to widespread criticism and boycott calls.

The backlash had a direct impact on investor sentiment. The company’s shares reportedly fell by nearly 5%, resulting in a significant erosion of market value, estimated at around ₹4,500 crore. This sharp decline reflects how sensitive markets are to reputational risks in today’s digital age.

While Lenskart has since clarified its stance and revised its dress code to allow all religious symbols, the episode highlights a key lesson: in a diverse country like India, cultural sensitivity is not just a social responsibility but also a business imperative.