Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar couldn't help but laugh when a reporter quizzed him about 'Kesar' amidst the ongoing Vimal pan masala advertisement controversy involving Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn. He responded humorously to the question during an event where he was announced as Acer's new brand ambassador.
- Akshay Kumar humorously responded to a reporter's question about 'Kesar' at a recent event.
- The question was a direct reference to the Maharashtra FDA notices issued to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff concerning the Vimal pan masala advertisement.
- Akshay Kumar himself had previously withdrawn from endorsing Vimal Elaichi in 2022 after facing significant backlash.
New Delhi: Bollywood's 'Khiladi Kumar', Akshay Kumar, found himself in a light-hearted yet pointed situation at a recent brand event. As he was unveiled as the new brand ambassador for Acer, a reporter posed a question referencing 'Kesar', a clear nod to the ongoing controversy surrounding prominent Bollywood actors endorsing pan masala-linked products. Akshay Kumar's reaction was a hearty laugh, followed by a witty retort: 'Acer over Kesar'.
The 'Kesar' Question Context
The reporter's question was timely, coming just days after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff for their appearance in a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The FDA alleged that the advertisement could be construed as indirect or surrogate promotion of Vimal Pan Masala, a product prohibited in Maharashtra. The actors were given 15 days to respond to the notices.
Akshay Kumar's Vimal Association and Exit
This particular query held special significance for Akshay Kumar. In 2022, he had appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn in a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The endorsement quickly sparked widespread criticism. Facing a significant public outcry, Akshay Kumar issued a public apology and announced his decision to step away from the brand. He had stated, "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 also pledged to donate his entire endorsement fee to a worthy cause and promised greater mindfulness in his future endorsements.
Stances of Other Stars
Both Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn have previously defended their association with Vimal Elaichi. Shah Rukh Khan, in a past interview, had argued that if certain products are deemed harmful, they should be banned outright rather than just regulating their advertisements, citing government revenue as a reason for their continued sale. Ajay Devgn, on his part, has consistently maintained that he was endorsing elaichi (cardamom) and not pan masala itself, stating that personal choices depend on the perceived harm of a product.
Background: The Pan Masala Endorsement Controversy
The involvement of Bollywood celebrities with pan masala brands has been a recurring point of contention. Even veteran actors like Amitabh Bachchan have faced criticism for endorsing such products, eventually withdrawing their association. Regulatory bodies like the FDA are concerned that these advertisements, even if they ostensibly promote milder products like cardamom, can act as a surrogate means to promote addictive and harmful substances like pan masala.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the recurring controversies surrounding pan masala endorsements highlight a critical disconnect between celebrity endorsements and public health concerns. While actors often defend their choices based on legal product availability and personal income, regulatory bodies and public health advocates argue for a stricter ethical framework. Akshay Kumar's subtle yet pointed response, 'Acer over Kesar,' reflects his attempt to distance himself from past controversies while navigating the complex landscape of celebrity branding and social responsibility. The repeated scrutiny faced by Bollywood's biggest names underscores the growing public demand for greater accountability from influential figures regarding the products they promote.
“The line between legal product endorsement and surrogate advertising of harmful substances is increasingly blurred, demanding greater ethical clarity from both celebrities and brands.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was Akshay Kumar asked about 'Kesar'?
- Have Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn faced any action from the FDA?
