When Akshay Kumar had requested his peers to not endorse cancerous substances – “What’s wrong is wrong”

Superstars Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar sharing screen would usually be a joyous moment for film enthusiasts. However, recently, when the three superstars came together on screen to promote an elaichi brand, it led to widespread criticism. Akshay Kumar recently joined the popular elaichi brand as its ambassador and the recent ad featuring the actor was followed by a Twitter backlash. Several people were surprised at how an actor who promotes a healthy and fit lifestyle is endorsing a brand that sells tobacco. While hours after the backlash, Akshay did apologise and step back from his association with the brand, an old video of the actor speaking about stars endorsing cancerous products had surfaced on social media.

It is rightly said that the internet never forgets and never lets you forget. So it was not surprising that after Akshay was featured in the ad for the elaichi brand, netizens were quick to dig out an old video of the superstar speaking about not following actors who endorse harmful substances. At a press conference for Swastha Bharat in the past, Akshay was asked about stars endorsing cancerous substances and what would he say to his peers endorsing the same.

"Audience ko bhi pata hona chahiye ki kisko follow karna chahiye and kisko nahi karna chahiye and jo galat hai so galat hai. Mai unse yehi darkhwaz karunga ki aisi cheezon ko endorse na karein kyuki yes, bilkul jaise aapne kaha,log dekhte hai and follow karte hai (The audience must know whom to follow and whom to not and what is wrong is wrong. I request them to not promote such products as people watch them and follow them)," he had said.

"I get offers from several big companies to endorse their product for large sums of money. But it's not about the money, I would never do such a thing," he added.

AKSHAY KUMAR TRENDS

Akshay Kumar is trending on Twitter for having once said that he would never advertise a harmful product, irrespective of the amount of money he is offered

But now, he himself appears to be in an ad for a pan masala company #AkshayKumar #Vimal #SRK???? pic.twitter.com/QBUKVQtmtm

— Negotium (@teamnegotium) April 19, 2022

On Thursday, following a massive backlash on his association with the brand, Akshay apologised and said that he will donate the endorsement fee. “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 m. 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. In return I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes,” he stated.

ALSO READ: “I step back”- Akshay Kumar apologises for his association with Elaichi brand; says he will donate the endorsement fee