Playboy, Maxim Launch India Versions

NEW DELHI, India — International magazines Playboy and Maxim have announced plans to launch editions in India, though Playboy’s Indian version will not use the Playboy name on its cover and won't contain nudity, according to Playboy officials.

U.S. Playboy Chief Executive Christie Hefner said she considers the launch in India among the company's boldest ventures — its first without any nude content. But many feel the lack of nude content won’t hinder sales.

"Indian readers are bold and mature enough to handle such stuff," international Indian model Nina Manuel added. "Haven't we had a magazine like Debonair in India? Debonair catered to a niche audience but was reasonably successful. I am sure when Playboy is launched here, it will sell like hot cakes. If Debonair could survive here, so will Playboy. There are lots of men around who want to read and see such stuff."

Manuel also said she feels the models featured in such bold magazines will satisfy the sexual urge of many Indians.

And some men have already started drawing up their wish list on which women they’d like to see featured in the new Indian Playboy.

"I want Yana Gupta, Mallika Sherawat and Bipasha Basu to pose for the cover," Indian fashion designer Tarun Sharma said.

Gupta is the new face of Lakme, India’s major cosmetics line. Sherawat and Basu are Indian actresses and models, as well as two of India’s well known sex symbols.

Maxim reportedly has already recruited models Salman Khan and Upen Patel, among others, to pose for its covers.

However, Indian author Shobhaa De, an erotic fiction writer, said she believes both magazines will take three to five years to establish a base.

"The era of titillating content is over, especially abroad,” De said. “And that is a major reason why these magazines are foraying Asia. These magazines are coming here with a lot of optimism and they are surely not here to make money. What we have to understand is that the brand equity of these magazines has eroded. How many people outside the media have heard about Maxim? I am sure not many.”

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'PervMassage'

Fanta Sie stars with Erick Everhard in the first episode of the new TeamSkeet series, “PervMassage."

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Angel Windell, Katie Davis Headline Latest 'Lesbian Seductions'

Angel Windell and Katie Davis topline the 80th edition of “Lesbian Seductions,” from Girlfriends.

ERIKALUST Releases 'Texas Ride 'Em'

ERIKALUST has released its latest scene, “Texas Ride ‘Em.”

Ema Karter Makes Her Blacked Debut

Ema Karter has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked, alongside Jax Slayher.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Scarlett Alexis Featured, Anna Claire Clouds Guest Hosts on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Scarlett Alexis is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills and guest host Anna Claire Clouds.

Show More