Bollywood's youngest superstar Kartik Aaryan has courageously declined an alluring offer to endorse Paan Masala at a time when elder superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar, who should know better, are openly marketing cancer (also known as gutka, paan masala) to the nation.
A well-known advertising expert confirmed this news when double-checked it with him, saying, "That's right. Kartik Aaryan, who was offered about Rs. 8–9 crore to promote paan masala, declined the offer. Kartik appears to have principles, which is rare among today's actors who are affected by the tendency to "grab." It's difficult to refuse money of this size. Kartik is aware of his obligations as a young icon, though".
Kartik Aayan's decision to refrain from endorsing dangerous products is also supported by producer and former chief of the censor board Pahlaj Nihalani. "Paan masala is killing lives. The nation's health will undoubtedly suffer as a result of Bollywood role models encouraging consumption of gutka and paan masala".
The image of Akshay Kumar is absolutely clean. He is revered as a common person's hero. So why does he advocate for a particular paan masala brand? Pierce Brosnan and Govinda, among others, are known to have supported paan masala.
Pahlaj Nihalani shockingly discloses that it is illegal and unconstitutional to broadcast advertisements for alcohol and paan masala. “Law forbids the CBFC from granting certification to paan masala and alcohol ads. Therefore, the ads for these products being broadcast are illegal. Actors who are part of such ads should know they’re participating in an illegal activity.”
