Amid Vimal controversy, old ad of Akshay Kumar promoting cigarette brand surfaces online
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that social media is unforgiving and it is an expert in digging up unsettling truths from the past. While for many it has proven to be a blessing, for others it hasn’t been anything short of inconsiderate.
Recently, Akshay Kumar found himself in the middle of a whirlwind after he endorsed a cardamom product that is owned by a tobacco brand. Fans and followers were very upset with the actor. Akshay was widely trolled online following which he put out a statement where he said “I have not and I will not endorse tobacco.” However, it appears that the statement has backfired.
While Akshay Kumar vowed in his statement that he has never endorsed tobacco, Twitter users found an old commercial featuring the actor where he is seen promoting a cigarette brand. Now, this has triggered different reactions on the internet. “Since it is an honest clarification, I'd wish there was honesty in the statement Akki sir (sic),” a Twitter user wrote sharing a picture of Akshay promoting a cigarette brand juxtaposed with a screenshot of his recent statement.
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
Before long, many other users joined in and shared old pictures of Akshay promoting the cigarette brand:
Whenever I go to movies and see the ad of Akshay Kumar is doing that PADMAN and asking to buy sanitary pads instead of cigarettes, I just remember this ad from my childhood.
— रात का सैनिटाइजर- डोगा (@kuttabhowka) June 27, 2019
Sacchi Red and White peene waalo ki baat hi kuch aur hai pic.twitter.com/bpIhYBgbEl
There was a time when Akshay Kumar was promoting cigarettes and working with Red and White (ITC) pic.twitter.com/q3tMzhZjLH
— Money Bansal (@BansalMoney) September 7, 2020
Because I have not. And will not. I apologise for my association with Red and White Cinnamon. pic.twitter.com/64jfciExJk
— Atul (@zeroTRPguy) April 22, 2022
I have not endorsed tobacco pic.twitter.com/EoYyP1Jed9
— ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ (@Soulxslayer8) April 20, 2022
It all began when Akshay Kumar featured in an ad along side Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan to promote a product from Vimal. Fans were pretty upset with his choice to endorse a tobacco brand since he often tells his followers to follow a healthy lifestyle.
The actor quickly stepped back as the ambassador of the brand after the backlash and put out a statement that 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 (sic)."
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First published: 22 April 2022, 16:52 IST