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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Violence against Christians remain high in India, 47 FIRs lodged in 673 reported incidents: Report
New Delhi: In a concerning trend, incidents of violence against Christians in India remain high, with 673 incidents reported to the United Christian Forum (UCF) helpline by the end of October 2024. Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of reported incidents (182), followed by Chhattisgarh (139).
The UCF, a Delhi-based civil society organisation focused on Christian issues, highlighted the findings in its “Violence Monitor Report 2024”. The report, as cited by Maktoob on Thursday, noted that only 47 FIRs were registered out of a total of 673 incidents.
AC Michael, national coordinator of the UCF, told the news outlet about the growing difficulty for Christians to practice their faith in India. He noted that violence against Christians has escalated in recent years, stating, “In 2014, incidents of violence against Christians were fewer than a hundred. By 2018, the number increased to 292, and it has risen every year since. In 2023, we recorded around 750 incidents, meaning two Christians were attacked every day in our country.”
Michael also criticised the police for not taking adequate action against perpetrators. “The police detain pastors under false allegations of forceful conversion rather than taking action against the perpetrators,” he added.
The reported incidents of violence include physical violence, murders, sexual violence, intimidation, threats, social boycotts, damage to religious properties, desecration of religious symbols, and disruptions of prayer services. According to the UCF, Christians are facing varying levels of violence and discrimination across 23 of India’s 28 states.
