Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is facing backlash on social media after for his new commercial for a pan masala brand. The brand's latest ad, featuring Akshay, Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan, dropped on the internet Sunday evening.
What irked fans is the fact that Akshay had publicly apologised for promoting the tobacco brand and promised fans he would step back from the commitment. While a section of netizens called out Akshay for his 'hypocrisy', a few users defended the actor and explained that this ad may have been shot before he shared the apology last year.
In the statement issued last year, Akshay had clarified that he was bound by legalities and that the brand would air the advertisement till the end of his contract period.
The latest is in fact a surrogate advertisement for the brand. In the ad from the tobacco brand, Akshay can be seen promoting cardamom, a non-core product of the brand. According to the Times of India, not just Akshay, but Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, too, use surrogate advertising.
“I am sorry. I would like to apologise to you, all my fans and well-wishers. Your reaction over the past few days has deeply affected me. While I have not and will not endorse tobacco, I respect the outpouring of your feelings in light of my association with Vimal Elaichi. With all humility, I step back. I have decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause. The brand might continue airing the ads till the legal duration of the contract that is binding upon me, but I promise to be extremely mindful in making my future choices,” Akshay had said.
Users have always questioned the social commitment of popular actors who endorse tobacco brands. Amid the growing debate, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan had also terminated his contract with a pan masala brand in 2021.