After Akshay Kumar, KGF: Chapter 2 star Yash walks away from multi-crore paan masala endorsement deal

It would seem that Rocking Star Yash could do no wrong at the moment. Having achieved global fandom through his recent blockbuster ‘KGF: Chapter 2’, the actor is back in the news and for all the right reasons again. Internet is currently abuzz with reports of Yash declining a whopping multi-crore endorsement offer made by a popular paan masala brand.

Yash’s agency that manages his many endorsements, Exceed Entertainment, has recently shared a press note to confirm that, quite indeed, the pan-India has refused to be the new face of the paan masala brand. The note states that Yash’s decision comes from the ethos to make meaningful and conscientious associations with brands, and despite the hefty price brought to the table, he wished to pass on the right message to his fans.Yash’s decision comes from the ethos to make meaningful and conscientious associations with brands, and despite the hefty price brought to the table, he wished to pass on the right message to his fans.

The news was later confirmed by Arjun Banerjee, the Head of Talent and New Ventures at Exceed Entertainment, who said that paan masalas and similar products are known to have life-threatening impacts on consumers and Yash’s choice to not be part of the association is purely ethical.

The decision comes on the back of Bollywood star Akshay Kumar’s recent change in stance towards a similar brand endorsement. The ‘Bachchhan Pandey’ actor rendered an apology to his fans after facing a severe backlash from them for endorsing a brand (Vimal) that also makes tobacco-based products, considering his solid advocacy of a healthy lifestyle and fitness. Much to the delight of his fans, Kumar chose to cut ties with the brand and the product and donate the earnings to a worthy cause.

On the other hand, ‘K.G.F: Chapter 2’ has risen to the top ranks as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film, directed by Prashanth Neel and produced by Hombale Films, has reportedly crossed the Rs. 1000 crore mark and currently stands behind only Dangal, Baahubali – The Conclusion, and RRR.