Bollywood is seen to be a tough place to get your first break, but once you manage to do that success usually follows. With stardom comes an immense amount of attention, adulation and money. But these stars also face public scrutiny of their every move, which is why it is heartening to see them turn down brand endorsements because it went against what they believed in. Here is a list of stars who stood up for their principles and said no to money:
1. Kangana Isn’t Un-fair
The ‘Queen’ of Bollywood is more often seen in good cinema than advertisements. However, we are sure that is more out of choice than a lack of it. Recently a fairness cream brand wanted to sign her up as their brand ambassador. She turned down the offer saying, “Ever since I was a kid, I have never understood the concept of fairness. Especially, in such a case, as a celebrity, what kind of an example would I be setting for younger people? I have no regrets about turning this offer down. As a public figure, I have responsibilities.” Way to go Kangana, we wish more public figures thought like you!
2. Aamir For The Gareeb
Aamir Khan is known for his stand on social issues in the country. Be it his movies or the TV show Satyamev Jayate or even his Incredible India ads, he is seen supporting a social cause. So, when a luxury car brand recently approached him, he is said to have turned it down. He is apparently looking to voice and endorse more socially relevant messages.
3. John Abraham For De-addiction
Starting his career off in an advertising agency and then as a model before turning actor, it is no surprise that this heartthrob has been seen in one too many advertisements. He is especially associated with most bike ads, being a bike enthusiast himself. However, the actor has strongly stated that he will never endorse an alcohol or cigarette brand or in this case music CDs and holiday packages!
4. Ranbir Kapoor Believes In Fair Play.
Ranbir Kapoor is undoubtedly one of the best actors we have in Bollywood. His performances have forced us to sit up and take notice of his several films. His brand endorsements have equally brought him attention, especially when he turned down a fairness brand. His reason being such advertisements only further the racist stereotypes associated with the skin colour of a person and that he wants no part in furthering such a wrong message.
5. Randeep Hooda Likes Tall DARK And Handsome.
Apparently one of the biggest spenders in the Indian advertisement market is those selling fairness creams! Randeep Hooda made a powerful statement regarding the same, “It’s a colonial hangover to be fair. India, as a country, has an obsession with fairness, whereas the entire world is lying under the sun and getting a tan. I think men should be tall, dark and handsome and not tall, fair and handsome.” We sure agree and we like our tall, dark, handsome men and dusky beauties just like we should!
6. Amitabh Bachchan Doesn’t Sell Poison
Amitabh Bachchan is known to be a person who was saved by the television industry and the world of commercials when his acting career went downhill and he was about to lose it all. So, it wasn’t uncommon to see the legend associated with just about everything from wall-paints to baby clothing. But he sure has his reservations, such as the time he stopped endorsing a cola brand after being questioned by a little girl as to why he was selling something other adults told her was poison! He also declined another product endorsement that is said to have had its script based on dowry.
7. Akshay Kumar Promotes Health First.
Akshay Kumar definitely knows a thing or two about the struggles of life and how a healthy body is of utmost importance. His passion for stunts is only rivalled by his passion for health. Hence it is no surprise that he turned down a paan masala brand as he did not believe it to be in the best interests of the general public’s health. Truly commendable, we think!
Do you know of other celebrities who turned down brand endorsements and the money that comes with it for the sake of supporting a social cause? Do share in the comments below!
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