Akshay Kumar tells reporter 'don't consume tobacco', reminds internet of his pan masala endorsement controversy

Akshay Kumar at Jolly LLB 3 trailer launch

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is currently busy promoting his upcoming film, Jolly LLB 3, with co-actor Arshad Warsi. Recently, he was seen attending the trailer launch event of the film in Kanpur. Akshay, along with Arshad Warsi and Saurabh Shukla, came together for the grand event. During the event, he also interacted with media persons. However, apart from talking about his film, one of the actor's comments about not consuming gutka (tobacco) has been going viral.

Akshay Kumar says don't consume tobacco

During the event, Akshay was asked by a reporter about his experience playing a character from Kanpur and whether he noticed the city's association with gutka (tobacco), Akshay gave a strong response: "Balki gutka nahi khana chahiye" (Tobacco should not be consumed).

When the reporter tried to interrupt him, the actor allegedly replied with humour, saying, "Interview mera hai ya tumhara? Main bol raha hoon, gutka nahi khana chahiye, that's it." ("Is this my interview or yours? I'm saying, one should not eat gutka.") His reply quickly went viral on social media.

For the uninitiated, back in December 2022, Akshay Kumar, along with Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn, had received formal notices from the central government, respectively, in connection with advertisements the three did for gutka companies. Consequently, Akshay stepped down as the brand ambassador of a pan masala brand after facing backlash.

About Jolly LLB 3

The trailer of Jolly LLB 3 gives a glimpse of the courtroom clash between Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, with Saurabh Shukla returning as Judge Tripathi.

The film brings back the essence of the popular franchise, with two Jollies fighting to prove who the 'real' one is. The three-minute-six-second trailer showcases constant arguments between the two lawyers, while Judge Tripathi, played by Saurabh Shukla, struggles to maintain control of his courtroom.

Along with Akshay and Arshad, the film also stars Huma Qureshi, Amrita Rao, and Seema Biswas. Gajraj Rao plays the antagonist, while Seema Biswas portrays a grieving mother.

Directed and written by Subhash Kapoor, 'Jolly LLB 3' is set to hit theatres on September 19, 2025.

(With inputs from ANI)