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
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Telangana CM urges Amit Shah to increase sanctioned strength of IPS officers in state
Hyderabad (PTI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Wednesday night and urged him to increase the sanctioned strength of IPS officers to the state in view of its growing administrative and security needs.
The two leaders also discussed the recent surrender of several senior Maoist leaders before the Telangana Police and other issues.
"During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the issue of Maoist surrenders and their rehabilitation. The chief minister informed Shah that significant improvements in policing have taken place in Telangana over the past two years," an official release here said.
Highlighting that 591 Maoists have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream of society during this period, the chief minister said the state government was providing them compensation and rehabilitation assistance as per the rules.
He requested the Union home minister to extend financial support from the central government for development works in the backward regions of the state.
Reddy also urged Shah to increase the sanctioned strength of IPS officers to the state from 83 to 105 in line with the state's growing administrative and security needs, the statement said.
The first cadre review after the formation of Telangana was conducted in 2016, while the next review, due in 2021, was delayed and finally carried out in 2025. Even then, only seven additional IPS officers were allocated to the state, the chief minister informed Shah and requested that the third cadre review be conducted in 2026 as per the schedule.
Reddy explained that Telangana, like the rest of the country, is facing several modern challenges, including cybercrime, drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, and other emerging security threats.
He highlighted the reorganisation of the Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Malkajgiri Police Commissionerates, the proposed formation of the Future City Commissionerate and the rapidly growing population in Hyderabad to underline the increasing administrative requirements of the state.
