Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has announced that he will no longer be the brand ambassador of a tobacco brand he had recently signed up for. The actor made the announcement through his social media handles post-midnight on Thursday.
For the uninitiated, Akshay was the latest Bollywood star after Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan to join the brand that also sells tobacco products.
Akshay Kumar's decision of joining the brand was not well received by fans. The actor has now apologised to his fans with a note on Instagram that reads: "I am sorry. 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 (sic)."
The actor went on to add that he has decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause. He further wrote: "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 (sic)."
On work-front, Akshay was last seen in Bachchhan Paandey. He will be next seen in Raksha Bandhan, Ram Setu, Prithviraj, and Selfiee.