Who would have that gutka will become a topic of a major discussion this year? Akshay Kumar’s decision to do a commercial created waves and it got people talking about the brand. While Kumar apologised for his decision to endorse tobacco and everyone moved on, it is now Suniel Shetty who is at the receiving end of hate from a Twitter user for doing the ad. Surprisingly, what the Twitterati didn’t notice is that the actor was never a part of the ad.
It all started when Shetty noticed a hate tweet directed at him, slamming him for promote tobacco. Interestingly, the image of the billboard shared by the user did not even feature him. It had Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar on it.
Using the image, the user wrote, “Itne ad dekh liye iss Highway pe ki ab Gutkha khaane ka mann kar raha hai (I have seen so many ads on this highway that I feel like having some tobacco). Hey #GutkaKingsofIndia @iamsrk @akshaykumar @SunielVShetty you’re kids have to feel shame on you to lead the nation in a wrong way. Don’t lead India to cancer nation stupids.”
Shetty spotted the tweet and made sure he replied to the user. He tweeted, “Bhai tu apna chashma adjust kar le ya badal de (Brother, adjust your glasses or change them),” along with a folded hands emoji.“
Soon after realising his mistake, the user apologised to Suniel Shetty and went on to say that he was his fan. “Hello @SunielVShetty. Sorry it was just mistagged and I didn’t mean to hurt you bhai, Lots of love. It should be (@ajaydevgn). As I am your fan your name ups always first in tag,” he tweeted. The actor accepted his apology with a folded hands emoji.
Akshay Kumar, who received backlash, apologised to his fans and stated, “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.”
(Featured Image Credits: Instagram @sunielshetty)
