‘Acer over Kesar’: Akshay Kumar laughs off question amid SRK, Ajay Devgn’s Vimal ad row

At a recent brand event, Akshay Kumar was unexpectedly asked about his association with the pan masala-linked product Kesar. The reporter compared him to other Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, who currently endorse Vimal Elaichi advertisements. Known for his laughter, Akshay did not offer a verbal response to the query.

The question was in reference to the recent show-cause notices issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration to the three actors on August 11. The regulator cited concerns that the advertisement might amount to indirect promotion of Vimal Pan Masala, which is banned in Maharashtra. Akshay Kumar had previously endorsed Vimal Elaichi in 2022, a move that sparked significant backlash which led him to apologize and step away from the brand.

He promised to contribute the endorsement fee to a worthy cause and urged his fans for love and wishes. Following his departure, Tiger Shroff took over the campaign. Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn have defended their endorsement of the product, expressing their concerns over government intervention.