“Pan Bahar” Indian Paan Masala Company Cheated HollyWood Star Pierce Brosnan
“Pan Bahar” Indian Paan Masala Company Cheated HollyWood Star Pierce Brosnan: Hollywood actor and former Bond Star Pierce Brosnan has criticized the “unlawful and misleading” use of his image to promote an Indian mouth freshener. He said that he was ‘cheated’ by a paan masala company that hired him for their brand promotion. He told this while being questioned for working in the advertisement of product linked with an addictive form of tobacco.
The actor while writing to Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell stated that Ashok & Co, did not reveal the hazardous nature of the product and other terms and conditions of the contract of advertisement. While writing to Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell. Brosnan said that he would never assist any company with regard to promotion of such products or other such harmful products in future.
As per Indian law, all advertisements of tobacco products are not allowed to go on air. Bond Actor appeared in the advertisement made many Indians questioned him that why he was endorsing a product associated with cancer. In response he told People magazine that the contract was to advertise a single product a “breath freshener/tooth whitener” that contained no “tobacco” or any “harmful ingredient.” He said that he was upset and disturbed by the row and immediately asked the company to remove his image from all their ads.
“Having endured, in my own personal life, the loss of my first wife and daughter as well as numerous friends to cancer, I am fully committed to supporting women’s healthcare and research programs that improve human health and alleviate suffering,” his statement said.
Pan Bahar is claimed to be a pan masala and gutka with a potent mixture of tobacco, crushed betel nut, lime, and clove among other ingredients. It is chewed by millions of people who get addicted to its mildly psychotropic effects. Many Indian states have also discouraged people from buying the product.
Representatives from Ashok & Co. were not available and has not yet commented on the actor’s statement. But the company had already made a statement to BBC that this a “public misconception” and there is no tobacco or nicotine in the product. Meanwhile for comment their website displays a sign saying it is “under maintenance”.