Akshay Kumar apologised to his fans for having endorsed gutkha in a recent advertisement short. The brand he is promoting is Vimal Elaichi. The actor received a major backlash on social media for promoting the product. Some years ago, Akshay had mentioned in a press conference that he had often been offered obscene amount of money for endorsing gutkha but he had declined all of those offers because it was against his principles to endorse tobacco and related products. People critical of the current ad of Akshay reminded him of his comment made years ago, forcing the actor to apologise to his fans.
The actor said, he was stepping back. He added that he would donate the entire amount received as endorsement fee for the ad, to a worthy cause. He explained that the brand might continue to air the ads till the legal duration of the contract, which was binding on him. He promised to be extremely mindful in making his future choices.