Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who received heavy backlash for endorsing tobacco brand along with Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan, announced that he would step back as the brand ambassador. He said that the remuneration he received for the endorsement will be contributed towards a worthy cause.
Some social media users had posted an older video of Akshay Kumar speaking about how he would not do a gutka ad. In the clip, he said while he has been offered several such ads, he would not feature in them as he believed in the concept of a “healthy India”.
In an Instagram post, he wrote, “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.”
He further wrote, “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 (@akshaykumar) April 20, 2022
