Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic roles in Shaktimaan and Mahabharat, has openly criticized Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ajay Devgan for promoting pan masala and other controversial products. In a recent interview, Khanna expressed his disappointment and urged these actors to stop endorsing such products, which he believes harm society.
Mukesh Khanna’s Strong Stance
Mukesh Khanna didn’t mince words when discussing the influence that celebrities have on the public. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, he voiced his frustration with actors promoting harmful products like pan masala, gambling, and betting apps. Khanna was particularly vocal about Akshay Kumar, who is known for his health-conscious lifestyle, yet has endorsed a pan masala brand.
“If you ask me, I would say that they should be caught and beaten. I have also told them this,” Khanna remarked. He criticized Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan, and Shah Rukh Khan for endorsing such products, questioning the message they are sending to their fans. “Crores of rupees are spent to make such advertisements, and what are you teaching people? They say that this is betel nut, but do they know what they are doing?”
Surrogate Advertising Concerns
Khanna also highlighted the issue of surrogate advertising, where brands use deceptive means to promote harmful products like alcohol and tobacco. He cited the example of Kingfisher ads, which are often associated with beer, despite promoting unrelated products like soda or bottled water. “Everyone knows that it is called deceptive advertising. Why do they do these ads? Do they have no money? I have told them not to do this. You have a lot of money,” he said.
Mukesh Khanna’s Personal Stand
When asked if he had ever been approached to endorse such products, Mukesh Khanna was firm in his response. He shared that he has always refused to promote cigarettes, pan masala, or any similar products, despite being offered substantial amounts of money. “Yes, there are big money offers. But such things are bad, and I cannot promote them,” Khanna stated. He appealed to other actors, asking them to consider the influence they have on their fans and to avoid endorsing harmful products.
Criticism of Gambling and Betting Apps
Khanna didn’t stop at pan masala ads. He also criticized actors who promote gambling and betting apps, which have become increasingly popular. He mentioned seeing several character actors, including Shakti Kapoor and even comedian Kapil Sharma, endorsing these platforms. Khanna expressed his concern over the impact these ads have on people, especially when such activities are banned in India. “These ads bother me. I have seen a lot of character artists… saying the money will be deposited directly in your bank account. Betting is banned, but it is said that all these ads give the highest revenue to YouTube,” he explained.
Mukesh Khanna’s bold statements serve as a reminder to celebrities about the power and responsibility that comes with their influence. By endorsing harmful products, these actors risk sending the wrong message to their fans, especially the younger generation. Khanna’s plea to his fellow actors is clear: prioritize the well-being of the public over monetary gain and avoid promoting products that can harm society. As discussions around these endorsements continue, it remains to be seen whether Bollywood stars will reconsider their choices in the future.
