ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has apologized for endorsing a tobacco brand and announced that he will ‘step back’ as its brand ambassador after facing severe backlash over his association with a leading pan masala manufacturing company.
Many had pointed out the ad could be seen as the actor promoting a tobacco product. From amused to offended, the voices are varied. Most Twitter users said that Akshay Kumar, known for fitness, was endorsing what is essentially a gutka brand.
His note read, "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 (sic)."
The Bollywood actor also announced that he has decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause. He added, "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. In return I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes (sic)."
In one of his previous interviews, he was seen claiming he is all about 'fit india' and will continue to reject the brand offers by pan masala companies irrespective of the huge amount they pay, but ironically he did not and that was the major reason behind the backlash otherwise, actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Ranvir Singh and even Deepika Padukone have been seen promoting such brands.
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has apologized for endorsing a tobacco brand and announced that he will ‘step back’ as its brand ambassador after facing severe backlash over his association with a leading pan masala manufacturing company. Many had pointed out the ad could be seen as the actor...
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has apologized for endorsing a tobacco brand and announced that he will ‘step back’ as its brand ambassador after facing severe backlash over his association with a leading pan masala manufacturing company.
Many had pointed out the ad could be seen as the actor promoting a tobacco product. From amused to offended, the voices are varied. Most Twitter users said that Akshay Kumar, known for fitness, was endorsing what is essentially a gutka brand.
His note read, "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 (sic)."
The Bollywood actor also announced that he has decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause. He added, "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. In return I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes (sic)."
In one of his previous interviews, he was seen claiming he is all about 'fit india' and will continue to reject the brand offers by pan masala companies irrespective of the huge amount they pay, but ironically he did not and that was the major reason behind the backlash otherwise, actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Ranvir Singh and even Deepika Padukone have been seen promoting such brands.
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