Bollywood

Pierce Brosnan 'Deeply Shocked, Saddened' On Indian Pan Masala Ad

Darpan News Desk, 21 Oct, 2016 12:14 PM

Hollywood star Pierce Brosnan is "deeply shocked and saddened" about the "deceptive" and "unauthorised" use of his image to promote an Indian pan masala brand.

Brosnan, best known for his stint as the British spy James Bond in the popular film franchise, featured in the ad holding a tin of the pan masala Pan Bahar.

In a statement to people.com, Brosnan said that he has the "greatest love and affection for India and its people".

"As a man who has spent decades championing women's healthcare and environmental protection, I was distressed to learn of Pan Bahar's unauthorised and deceptive use of my image to endorse their range of pan masala products," he said.

Pierce Brosnan: Apologies, I Didn’t Know What I Was Selling!
Delhi Voters: Apologies, Even We Didn't Know Who We Are Choosing. ;) pic.twitter.com/F03EP2fxXs
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) October 21, 2016

"I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one's health," he added.

Pierce Brosnan says he didn't know reality of Pan Bahar before he signed up to advertise. Sounds like a Delhi resident who voted for AAP.
— Rahul Roushan (@rahulroushan) October 20, 2016

Brosnan said that his contract detailed that he was to advertise a "breath freshener or tooth whitener", which wouldn't include an ingredient that can cause cancer.

He agreed to advertise a single product only, and that it was presented as "all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient".

Tourist Guide: You see the Taj Mahal. Do you know why it's so white?
Pierce Brosnan : Shahjahan used to eat Paan Bahar?
*guide hugs him*
— Sahil Shah (@SahilBulla) October 21, 2016

"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," the statement further read.

Pierce Brosnan was told that #PanBahar was a mouth freshener/tooth whitener. Sad that the British secret service didn't validate it. :(
— Atul Bhushan (@iAtulBhushan) October 21, 2016

The actor has demanded the company to remove his image from all their products, and assured that he had no knowledge that he was endorsing items that would have a negative or painful reaction in India.

Pierce Brosnan will soon find out that the "Shaken but not stirred Martini" he was having all these years was actually

Masala Limca.
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) October 21, 2016

He added that Pan Bahar "grossly manipulated" media outlets to falsely present him as a brand ambassador for their entire line of products, something he writes is "in violation of my contract".

Pierce Brosnan thought he was endorsing a, "tooth whitener."
Pan Bahar does whiten your teeth.
They fall out.
Then you get brand new ones.
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) October 21, 2016

"I shall endeavor to rectify this matter. In the meantime, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt apologies to all whom I have offended," he said.

Poor old #PierceBrosnan. Must be dark days when you blindly sign a contract without reading what it is you're lending your mug for.
— Hayden Scott (@ScottSaab) October 21, 2016

After the release of the advertisement earlier this month, Brosnan was criticised by many over various social media platforms for being a part of the pan masala brand.

Prev Next

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Salman Khan, Iulia Vantur meet Dalai Lama

The photo of Salman and Iulia — head discreetly covered — seated on a sofa while the Dalai Lama sits opposite them with a few aides is going viral on the social media.

Salman Khan, Iulia Vantur meet Dalai Lama

I'm Enjoying Life As A Non-Smoker: Hrithik Roshan

A slew of actors are known for their smoking habits, but Hrithik Roshan kicked the butt a few years ago and is soaking in the joy of being a non-smoker. He says a cigarette is the worst evil manufactured and he could be a role model for those who want to quit.

I'm Enjoying Life As A Non-Smoker: Hrithik Roshan

Watch: Kangana Ranaut Pays Tribute To Indian Armed Forces

Actress Kangana Ranaut has paid a tribute to the Indian armed forces in a video.

Watch: Kangana Ranaut Pays Tribute To Indian Armed Forces

Donald Trump Is 'Totally Nuts', Says US Actor Robert De Niro

US actor and producer Robert De Niro said that US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump should not run for president because he was "totally nuts".

Donald Trump Is 'Totally Nuts', Says US Actor Robert De Niro

Watch: Parineeti, Alia, Katrina Enthrall Houston Fans

The Dream Team concert by the stars started here with a bang on Friday.

Watch: Parineeti, Alia, Katrina Enthrall Houston Fans

Talks Are On To Resolve 'Dragon', Sanjay Dutt Biopic Clash: Ranbir

Actor Ranbir Kapoor on Friday said that he is currently looking into how he can take care of the situation with two of his films, "Dragon" and Sanjay Dutt biopic, for which shooting will begin at the same time, adding that the talks are on to resolve it.