Akshay Kumar apologises for endorsing tobacco, says 'will be mindful in future'

In a long statement, Akshay, who featured in a Gutka ad, wrote, "I would like to apologise to you, all my fans and well-wishers. Your reaction over the past few days has deeply affected me. While I have not and will not endorse tobacco, I respect the outpouring of your feelings in light of my association with Vimal Elaichi. With all humility, I step back."

"I have decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause. The brand might continue airing the ads till the legal duration of the contract that is binding upon me, but I promise to be extremely mindful in making my future choices. In return, I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes," he added.

The ad which originally had Ajay Devgn embrace its tagline “Bolo Zubaan Kesari” saw first superstar Shah Rukh Khan and then Akshay joining the league.

Shot in a foreign location with swanky cars around them in a high action-packed commercial, the three stars are seen promoting the surrogate advertisement for the gutka brand.

However, it did not go well with Twitteratis, especially with Akshay Kumar joining in, who usually endorses physical fitness through commercials as well as his cinema.

As an example of how the Internet never forgets, an old video of Akshay Kumar speaking about how he would not do a gutka ad has surfaced.

In the clip, Akshay could be seen telling that he would never do such ads even though he has been offered several such commercials.

He emphasised not promoting such products as he believes in the concept of 'Swasth Bharat' (healthy India).