NB Soch X | 'Paison Ke Liye Kuch Bhi' Netizens on Akshay Kumar's new Vimal ad; Here's what the actor clarifies-

NewsBharati 10-Oct-2023 11:28:30 AM

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Actor Akshay Kumar faced backlash for appearing in a new ad for Vimal, months after publicly announcing his withdrawal from endorsing the tobacco brand. Reacting to reports of "returning as an ambassador for Vimal", the Khiladi actor has slammed the reports and issued a clarification.

The new Vimal ad

Akshay was spotted in the new Vimal ad, along with fellow superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn. His presence attracted the most criticism because it comes months after Akshay announced his withdrawal from endorsing the tobacco brand. He appeared in an earlier Vimal ad with his fellow actors, but was panned specifically because he's also the face of the anti-smoking public service announcement played at cinema halls.

Netizens started to troll them for being "hypocrites".

#AkshayKumar stepped back as Vimal ambassador after getting backlash from neutrals..
now again doing vimal ads!!
paiso ke liye kuch bhi kar skta hai ye banda 💀

pic.twitter.com/d8z50WZLCJ
— Cheemrag (@itxcheemrag) October 8, 2023

Vimal new ad feat Ajay Devgn, Shahrukh Khan and hypocrite Akshay Kumar.
pic.twitter.com/IiRy22hun8
— nishant. (@NishantADHolic_) October 8, 2023

Akshay Kumar apologised an year back for doing “Guthka” ads, he even said he won’t do Guthka ads ever in his life.

An year later, he is stil endorsing Vimal ad. What a hypocrite!!

Only one thing matters to Akshay and that’s money.pic.twitter.com/eZwTXF6SUh
— Dr Nimo Yadav Commentary (@niiravmodi) October 9, 2023

Exactly a year ago, Akshay Kumar groveled in apology for his 'Guthka' ads, swearing he'd never repeat such actions & even penned a long essay on it.

But look at him now, shamelessly endorsing Vimal ads. What an EGREGIOUS HYPOCRITE!

Akshay Kumar is nothing but a money-driven… pic.twitter.com/2YWm7Uv2ny
— Meedas Sahoo (@MeedasSahoo) October 9, 2023

Chewing tobacco can lead to cancers of mouth, tongue, gums, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.

Interestingly, it's quite the paradox – celebrities endorse it, even though they actually don't use it. Meanwhile, it's the less fortunate who purchase these 'death… pic.twitter.com/777vbzn9J9
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) October 9, 2023

Akshay Kumar issues clarification

Akshay pulled up a news portal for reporting his ‘return’ to Vimal. He replied to the report posted on X (formerly Twitter) by writing, “‘Returns’ as ambassador? Here’s some fact check for you Bollywood Hungama, if by chance you are interested in things other than fake news. These ads were shot on 13th October, 2021. I have not had anything to do with the brand ever since I publicly announced the discontinuation of the endorsement. They can legally run the already shot ads till the end of next month. Chill and do some real news.”

‘Returns’ as ambassador? Here’s some fact check for you Bollywood Hungama, if by chance you are interested in things other than fake news. These ads were shot on 13th October, 2021. I have not had anything to do with the brand ever since I publicly announced the discontinuation…
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 9, 2023

Earlier, Akshay had announced the discontinuation of his endorsement by writing on X, “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. 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.”

Akshay Kumar Vimal Vimal ad Tobacco Shah Rukh Khan Ajay Devgn