Now Reading: Sunny Deol’s old pan masala ad resurfaces amid his denial
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Sunny Deol’s old pan masala ad resurfaces amid his denial
A video of actor and BJP MP Sunny Deol endorsing a pan masala brand alongside Ravi Kishan has resurfaced on social media, sparking questions about his recent statement that he has never…
A video of actor and BJP MP Sunny Deol endorsing a pan masala brand alongside Ravi Kishan has resurfaced on social media, sparking questions about his recent statement that he has never done and will never do such ads. In the clip, the two actors are seen promoting the product in a commercial that appears to be several years old.
Deol, in a podcast interview that went viral, had said: "I don't do pan masala ads and I will never do them. I wouldn't do any of those things." The old advertisement contradicts that claim, leading to criticism online, with many questioning his 'conscience' and credibility.
Neither Deol nor the BJP has commented on the resurfaced video so far. The controversy comes amid a wider debate over celebrities endorsing tobacco-related products in India, where such ads are banned under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The old ad puts Sunny Deol in the same category as several other Bollywood stars who have faced scrutiny for endorsing pan masala or gutka brands despite public health warnings. Under COTPA 2003, direct and indirect advertising of tobacco products is prohibited, but pan masala, which often contains tobacco, has historically been marketed as a mouth freshener, creating a regulatory grey area. Many states have imposed their own bans. The controversy also highlights the gap between public statements and past commercial choices, which can become politically damaging for an elected representative. Watch for whether the BJP or Deol issues a clarification, and whether the Advertising Standards Council of India takes any suo motu notice of the old ad's re-circulation.
Source: ndtv.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
