Actor John Abraham has lashed out at actors in the film industry who promote pan masala. There has been a long-running debate among fans of some film stars who appear in ads supporting addictive substances. Some of them have distanced themselves from pan-masala brands following public pressure. Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Shah Rukh Khan are among the most high-profile stars to appear in ads for pan masala and other addictive substances brands.
John Abraham
On Ranveer Allahabadia’s podcast, John Abraham said that he has no respect for actors who promote health and fitness on the one hand and promote pan masala on the other. He said that he would never want to ‘sell death’ himself. He said that he wants to be a ‘role model’ for his fans and he will smell dishonesty in him if he does not practice what he preaches. He said, ‘If I live my life honestly and what I preach to people, then I am a role model. But if I am presenting a fake version of myself to the public and acting like a different man behind their backs, they will recognize it.’
Pan Masala Advertisement
He further added, ‘People talk about fitness and the same people promote pan masala. I love all my actor friends and I am not disrespecting any of them. I want to make it clear that I am talking about myself. But I will not sell death, because it is a matter of principle. Do you know that the pan masala industry has an annual turnover of Rs 45,000 crore? That means the government is also supporting it, and hence it is not illegal.’
John Abraham
He said that he has ‘chosen’ not to support these companies and the rest who make excuses ‘These products are often sold as mouth fresheners. You are selling death. How can you live with this?’ John said that he is not trying to belittle any of his friends, but is only speaking about his own things. Recently, actors Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar have come under fire for endorsing Pan Masala brands. Akshay had announced that he would not participate in such promotions and said that this ad was shot before his announcement.