Dreamt of swasth Bharat, Akshay Kumar sorry for gutka brand advertisement
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New Delhi: Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan collaborated last year for a Vimal ad. This year, yet again the actor collaborated for Vimal's new ad, however, with a new addition. According to the Hindustan Times, Vimal's new cardamom product ad with the addition of actor Akshay Kumar alongside Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan was released on April 16.
It is a brand that also sells tobacco products. His decision was not well received by fans.
From amused to offended, the voices are varied. For starters, most Twitter users cannot wrap their heads around the fact that Akshay Kumar, famed for his physical fitness, was endorsing what is essentially a gutka brand.
In another example of how the Internet never forgets, an older video of Akshay Kumar speaking about how he would not do a gutka ad has surfaced. In the clip, Akshay said that while he has been offered several such ads, he would not resort to them as he believes in the concept of swasth Bharat (healthy India).
Reposting the video, one user said, "Accha Swastha Bharat."
Another person said, "Kesari to Zubaan Kesari," referring to Akshay Kumar's film Kesari.
Here's another video of Akshay Kumar's journey from Padman, his critically acclaimed film on menstrual health to now "Vimal Man".
Fans were also taken aback by the sheer amount of star power in the ad.
Days later, Akshay took to Twitter to issue a public apology, which 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."
Akshay said that he will be donating the earnings from the ad to a charity. 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."
