Akshay Kumar faces backlash after reappearing in advertisement of Pan Masala brand
New Delhi: In what came as a major surprise for the Bollywood fans, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar sparked controversy after appearing in a new commercial for a pan masala brand, despite his public apology and commitment to stepping back from endorsing tobacco products.
The advertisement, which also features Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn, was aired during the ICC World Cup match between India and Australia, leaving fans and netizens shocked.
Earlier, Akshay Kumar had publicly apologized for his association with a tobacco brand, vowing not to endorse such products in the future. In a statement posted on Twitter, he expressed his regret and announced his decision to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a charitable cause. Despite his apology, a fresh advertisement for a pan masala brand featuring the actor has raised questions about his commitment to his earlier statement.
Netizens took to social media to express their disappointment, questioning the actor's integrity and labeling the move as hypocritical. Some users pointed out his previous promise to withdraw from endorsing such products and questioned the appearance in the new commercial.
While supporters of Akshay Kumar defended him, suggesting that the advertisement might have been shot before his public apology and would continue airing due to the legal obligations of the contract, critics remained skeptical of his actions.
In a separate response, Ajay Devgn, another actor featured in the advertisement, had labeled endorsing the brand as a personal choice but emphasized the need for responsible advertising. He stated that certain products, especially harmful ones, should not be promoted, indicating his awareness of the impact of endorsements on public health.
Bolo Jubaan Kesari...✌️ #Vimal #ShahRukhKhan #ajaydevgan #AkshayKumar pic.twitter.com/Lg1GULinQ6
— Fan of SRK..Mr.A (@SRKs_Superstar1) October 8, 2023
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
M.A. Maula elected as new President of Udupi District Muslim Okkuta
Udupi: Popular businessman Muhammad Maula has been elected as the new president of the Udupi District Muslim Okkuta for the next two years. The decision was made during the 2025-26 general meeting held at the UBMC hall in Udupi.
M.A. Maula, known for his various social, educational and community activities, has previously served as the general secretary of the Okkuta twice and as the vice-president once.
Additionally, Yaseen Malpe, Idris Hoode, Iqbal Katapady, Rafiq Gangolli and Maulana Zamir Ahmed Rashadi Kandlur were elected as district committee members at the central level.
Taufiq Abdullah Navunda, Dr. Abdul Azeez Manipal, Abdurrahman Kannangar and Khalid Manipura were appointed as representatives of various organizations.
Abdul Aziz Udyawara, Yaseen Bengre, Syed Farid, Iqbal Manna, Shabbir Malpe, Irshad Nejar, V.S. Umar and Adil Hoode were elected as district committee members from Udupi taluk.
From Kundapura, Riyaz Kodi, Dastagir Kandloor, Shaban Hanglur, Mushtaq Hennabailu, and Hanif Gulwadi were elected.
Shabhi Ahmed Qazi, Nasir Ahmed Sharfuddin, Anwar Ali, Muhammad Azam Sheikh, and Muhammad Iqbal from Kaup taluk; Muhammad Ghouse, Ashfaq Ahmed, Nasir Sheikh, Muhammad Sharif Banglegudde, and Muhammad Sharif Renjala from Karkala taluk; Tajuddin Ibrahim, Ibrahim Kota, Asif Baikady, Aslam Haikadi, and Haroon Rashid Sastana from Brahmavar; and Shams Tabrez, Sheikh Fayyaz Ali, Amin Golihole, and Aftab Kiri Manjeshwara from Byndoor taluk, along with Tufail Shahabuddin, were elected.
In the subsequent district committee meeting, Ismail Hussain Katapady, Mustafa Saadi Mulur, T. M. Zafrullah Hoode, Khatib Rashid Malpe, Buaji Muhsin Byndoor, Sheikh Abdullatif Madani, Raihan Trasi, Abu Muhammad Mujawar Kundapur, Peer Saheb Adi Udupi, and B. Muhyuddin Katapady were co-opted as members of the district committee.
Maulana Abdur Raqib Nadvi, the General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, Bhatkal, oversaw the election process.
The general assembly commenced with the recitation of the Quran by Maulana Zamir Ahmed Rashadi, the vice-president of Udupi district Muslim Okkuta. General Secretary Muhammad Idris Hoode delivered the introductory remarks, followed by Secretary Ismail Hussain, who presented the biennial report. Treasurer Syed Farid then presented the biennial accounts to the assembly. The session concluded with the presidential address delivered by Muhammad Yasin Malpe.
