Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has made a comeback as the brand ambassador of Vimal Pan Masala, a year after he stepped down from the role following a public backlash. The actor features in a new commercial for the product, along with fellow stars Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn.
The advertisement, which was released online on Sunday, shows the three actors promoting the pan masala in a humorous way. Shah Rukh and Ajay are seen waiting in a car for Akshay, who is busy listening to music with headphones on. They try to get his attention by honking the car horn, but he does not respond. Finally, Ajay opens a packet of Vimal Pan Masala, which catches Akshay’s attention. He joins them in the car and they all enjoy the product together.
Netizens troll Akshay Kumar
The ad has gone viral on social media, with netizens expressing their disappointment over Akshay’s decision to endorse the product again, after he had apologized and quit the role last year.
Reacting to the video, a person said, “Akshay will have to hear from the people. He had said he won’t do tobacco ads.” “Akshay Kumar had said that now he will not do pan masala ad because his fans were not happy when he first did Vimal. Then why did he do this again?” asked another person.
A comment read, “Akshay Kumar was not going to do Vimal ad, then what happened? What is this decision?” “Unhappy, upset, he didn’t stick to his words,” said another Instagram user. However, a fan said, “This is probably not tobacco, but some flavoured betelnut.”
Akshay had apologised to fans for endorsing tobacco
Akshay had faced criticism from his fans and well-wishers for promoting a product that is harmful to health. He had posted a message on Instagram in April 2022, saying that he was sorry and that he would not endorse tobacco. He had also said that he would donate the entire endorsement fee to a worthy cause.
“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,” he had written.
“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. In return I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes,” he had added.
(Also read: EXCLUSIVE Mission Raniganj Box Office: Akshay Kumar’s Starrer Is Massive Disaster With Dismal Weekend Of 12 Cr Nett)
It is not clear why Akshay changed his mind and agreed to be the brand ambassador of Vimal Pan Masala again. Neither he nor the brand has issued any statement on this matter yet.
On the work front, Akshay was seen in the recently released Mission Raniganj.
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