The classic Zubaan-Kesari commercials have become increasingly popular over time. With A-listers like Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan, and Akshay Kumar fronting the commercial campaigns, people’s reactions have also been intense. For the uninitiated, Bachchan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan award in 2015, while Khan, Devgn, and Akshay Kumar earned the Padmashri award, which is the country’s fourth highest civilian honor.
People lambasted Akshay Kumar for joining the ‘Zubaan Kesari’ universe just a few days ago.
Ever since the latest Vimal advertisement starring him went viral on social media, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has been making headlines. Fans and well-wishers of the actor have chastised him for appearing in tobacco product surrogate advertisements.
After a few days of silence, Akshay eventually apologized on social media, declaring that he is ending his relationship with Vimal and will donate his whole endorsement salary to a good cause.
Meanwhile, Shekhar Salkar, the medical cell convenor of the Goa BJP, has lambasted the actor, as well as Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan, for their associations with firms that push tobacco products indirectly. Salkar also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw their Padma awards in a series of tweets.
“While @PMOIndia works overtime to make India healthy through the Fit India movement, these so-called influencers humiliated the entire mission with their surrogate advt trapping the younger generation in tobacco consumption,” Salkar continued. Are these actors truly deserving of the Padmashri award?”
“People have placed their trust in these discredited, despicable performers who have sold their souls and ethics to gain money at the expense of the minds of innocent youngsters who look up to them and are adversely impacted and introduced to tobacco usage,” he continued.
