Mumbai/IBNS-CMEDIA: Bollywood actor Juhi Chawla has recreated her 1990s on-screen magic in Apple’s new 2026 Diwali advertisement, titled Step Into the Light, which brings together Indian textile traditions, dance, nostalgia and iPhone camera technology.
Released on November 4, the campaign has attracted attention for reviving one of Juhi’s popular 1990s songs, Roop Suhana Lagta Hai.
A nostalgic return to the 1990s
The advertisement features a folk-inspired reinterpretation of Roop Suhana Lagta Hai, the popular song from Juhi’s 1994 film The Gentleman, which also starred Chiranjeevi.
Juhi makes a special appearance towards the closing moments of the advertisement, wearing festive outfits, including a striking purple ensemble. The choreography also draws inspiration from her original performance.
Celebrating Indian textiles and dance
Apple collaborated with Indian fashion label Raw Mango for the campaign.
Filmed at Tijara Fort, a restored 19th-century palace in Rajasthan, the advertisement features dancers from the Big Dance Centre troupe performing a combination of traditional and contemporary dance forms.
The campaign also showcases Indian textile traditions, highlighting fabrics such as Chanderi, Mashru and Varanasi brocade.
Juhi Chawla in Roop Suhana Lagta Hai song. Photo: Screen-grab/YouTube
Mixed reactions on social media
The campaign has generated mixed reactions online.
Juhi’s return to Roop Suhana Lagta Hai has struck a nostalgic chord with fans of 1990s Bollywood, while the elaborate costumes, cinematography and dance sequences have also drawn attention.
However, some social media users have questioned the choreography and argued that the portrayal of Indian culture feels stereotypical or overly theatrical rather than authentic to everyday Diwali celebrations.
