Do celebrities understand the value of their influence on the general public? Given the kind of brand endorsements they do, we don’t think they do. Apart from a few celebrities like Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput, who have rejected hefty amounts to endorse some products on moral grounds, most celebrities hardly care what they sell as long as they are paid well.
Recently, many netizens came forward to express their disappointment when they saw Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar joining Ajay Devgn in promoting Gutka.
Case against Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, and Amitabh Bachchan for promoting Gutka
After a row over Akshay Kumar stepping in to endorse Vimal Elaichi along with the two superstars, now a case has reportedly been filed against Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, and Shah Rukh Khan for promoting Gutka.
As per Timesnow, Tamanna Hashm, a Muzaffarpur-based activist, has filed the complaint under sections 467, 468, 439, and 120B for “misusing their popularity for promoting gutka only in greed of money.” The court has accepted the case and the hearing is scheduled for May 27.
In Oct 2021, Amitabh Bachchan canceled his contract as he refused to be a part of a pan masala brand’s endorsements. As per various reports, he had also returned the fee that he received for promotions. The office of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan made an official statement:
“Kamala Pasand … a few days after the commercial was aired, Mr. Bachchan contacted the brand and stepped out of it last week. Upon checking why this sudden move – it was revealed that when Mr. Bachchan became associated with the brand, he wasn’t aware that it falls under surrogate advertising Mr. Bachchan has terminated the contract with the Brand, has written to them his termination, and has returned the money received for the promotion.”
You look dashing in all dresses….. But Sir Haath Mein Kamla Pasand Nahi rakha na bola aapne Aapki Ads line to Youngsters enjoy n invite Cancer 🙄🤔
— Hiren Mehta 🇮🇳 (@hirenwebs) October 9, 2021
Huge Respect to Sachin Tendulkar that he never did controversial Ads so far on tobacco n Liquor. pic.twitter.com/Le1Pk7sq4l
Not just Amitabh Bachchan, but even Akshay Kumar had apologized to his fans after he faced the backlash for promoting Vimal Elaichi. He had not only withdrawn from the campaign but also pledged his fee for the endorsement ‘for a good cause’. He made an official statement:
“I am sorry. I would like to apologize 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,”
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 20, 2022
Should celebrities be held accountable for brand endorsements? Do let us know what you think in the comments section below!
