Netizens criticise Akshay Kumar's new ad for tobacco brand, remind him of his decision to 'step back'

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is facing backlash on social media after for his new commercial for a pan masala brand.

The brand's latest ad, featuring Akshay, Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan, dropped on the internet Sunday evening.

What irked fans is the fact that Akshay had publicly apologised for promoting the tobacco brand and promised fans he would step back from the commitment.

While a section of netizens called out Akshay for his 'hypocrisy', a few users defended the actor and explained that this ad may have been shot before he shared the apology last year.

In the statement issued last year, Akshay had clarified that he was bound by legalities and that the brand would air the advertisement till the end of his contract period.

Users have always questioned the social commitment of popular actors who endorse tobacco brands.

Amid the growing debate, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan had also terminated his contract with a pan masala brand in 2021.