Advertising has historically shaped portrayals of masculinity and fatherhood. Recent trends, like “dadvertising” and “menvertising,” challenge traditional, patriarchal portrayals by depicting men as engaged, supportive fathers. However, in countries like India, where patriarchal norms persist, fatherhood is still largely portrayed as authoritative and career-focused, with limited involvement in childcare and domestic duties. While research on fatherhood in advertising is increasing, most studies focus on Western contexts, leaving a gap in non-Western perspectives, particularly in Asia. Additionally, there is a lack of semiotic analysis of fatherhood in advertising, especially in the Indian context, offering deeper insights into how cultural symbols in ads shape societal perceptions of fatherhood. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing Oreo’s “Bubbles of Play” advertisement using Barthes’ theory. The study explores how the ad challenges traditional gender roles and reflects the evolving portrayal of fatherhood in India. The findings highlight how the ad reinforces Oreo’s brand identity while portraying fatherhood through simple moments that emphasize emotional connection, engagement, and family togetherness. This research provides valuable insights into how advertising can reshape fatherhood by promoting more emotionally expressive portrayals. It also offers actionable recommendations for both advertisers and researchers, emphasizing the importance of reflecting diverse, emotionally engaged fatherhood to strengthen brand identity and better connect with audiences. Future research could expand by exploring a broader range of advertisements across different brands and cultures, offering a global perspective on gender portrayals. Ultimately, this study deepens our understanding of how advertising influences perceptions of gender roles, particularly fatherhood.