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.
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Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka launched a scathing attack on MLC Dr. Yathindra, demanding that he retract his controversial statement comparing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the late Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. Ashoka urged Yathindra to apologize to the people of Karnataka if he had even a shred of conscience and any respect for the Mysuru royal lineage.
In a strongly worded social media post on Sunday, Ashoka stated, “Comparing Siddaramaiah to Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar is nothing short of absurd. Where is Nalwadi, who was bestowed the title of ‘Rajarshi’ by Mahatma Gandhi himself, and where is Siddaramaiah, who has stooped to being a puppet in the hands of fake Gandhis for the sake of power?”
He continued his critique by contrasting the enduring legacy of Nalwadi, remembered fondly by Kannadigas for his people-centric development, with what he termed as Siddaramaiah’s failure to manage Karnataka’s economy, burdening every household with debt.
Ashoka highlighted several stark differences, while Nalwadi built Mysore University over a century ago, Siddaramaiah is shutting down nine universities due to lack of funds. Nalwadi famously sold his family’s gold to build the KRS dam, whereas Siddaramaiah is accused of grabbing 14 sites meant for the public. Nalwadi established Bhadravati Iron & Steel Plant, Sandalwood Soap Factory, and Mysore Paper Mills. In contrast, Ashoka claimed Siddaramaiah's governance drove away industries, investors, and entrepreneurs. Nalwadi pioneered reservations for the backward classes long before it became mainstream. Siddaramaiah, Ashoka alleged, is reducing social justice to a gimmick by sticking labels on doors in the name of surveys.
While acknowledging Yathindra’s emotional attachment to his father, Ashoka emphasized that comparing Siddaramaiah to a visionary like Nalwadi was “laughable, baseless, and a gross insult” to the late king.
In his concluding remarks, Ashoka slammed the government for ignoring farmers’ needs despite an early monsoon. He accused the administration of being caught up in internal power struggles and negligence, forcing farmers into despair. “This government will not be spared from the curse of the farmers,” he warned.