Akshay Kumar called out by fans for his double standards on tobacco endorsement

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Celebrities endorsing tobacco brands have been a huge point of debate. While some may argue that it is a personal choice, many have the view that celebrities who influence the young generation should not promote a harmful product. The recent ad by Vimal has gone through the same debate. Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn came together to endorse Vimal Elaichi in a mega-budget ad video. But fans were soon upset with Akshay Kumar, who had just joined the brand advertisement for promoting a brand that makes tobacco-based products.

For the unversed, gutka, a tobacco-based product that Vimal is known to produce, was made illegal in 2013 in all states of India. However, the ban has not stopped manufacturers from producing the product in mass.

Akshay Kumar had issued a hurried apology on his Instagram and had promised to not endorse any such products in the future. “I have not and will not endorse tobacco”, the line read.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar)

But netizens were sharp enough to call out the actor on his double standards. The internet has dug up a past ad by Khiladi Kumar featuring him promoting a cigarette brand. A Twitterati posted the poster of the ad with the caption, “Since it is an honest clarification, I’d wish there was honesty in the statement Akki sir”.

Since it is an honest clarification, I'd wish there was honesty in the statement Akki sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/40g6GwcoWl

— BRIJWA SRK FAN (@BrijwaSRKman) April 20, 2022

Netizens did not take the apology kindly as many called out how his reputation will receive a blow due to the ad. Many asked the actor to send the donation receipt as he claimed to donate his entire endorsement fee to a worthy cause.

What stars endorse is their personal choice. But when stars make public promises to save their reputation and fall flat when delivering them is surely a moment of embarrassment.