New Delhi: Following the backlash and trolling, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar issued a public apology to fans for appearing in an ad for Vimal Elaichi.
“I’m sorry,” the actor tweeted.
“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 Kumar tweeted.
“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 said.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 20, 2022
While some were amused, many were shocked to witness Akshay Kumar in the advertisement for the brand which is popular for tobacco products. Notably because of Kumar’s dedication to fitness.
Meanwhile, several social media users have been sharing a video of Akshay Kumar from 2018 in which he is saying that he would never endorse gutka products.
A series of Vimal Elaichi ads features Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan.
Back in 2016, Bond actor Pierce Brosnan was featured in an ad for Pan Bahar which drew a lot of attention. Later the actor revealed that he was ‘cheated’.