Former James Bond actors Pierce Brosnan has said that he is “deeply shocked and saddened” about his participation in an Indian pan masala ad, which he misled him to believe it was a breath freshener but may include ingredient that cause cancer.
In an exclusive statement to People magazine, Brosnan said that he spent decades championing women’s healthcare and environment, and was distressed to learn that his image was used to endorse pan masala products.
“I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one’s health,” he said. However, Brosnan said that he had the greatest love and affection for the people of India but was unaware it would create such a negative reaction.
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Former James Bond shakes and stirs with Indian pan ad
The Hollywood actor who has lost his wife and daughter to cancer said that he was assured that he was to advertise “breath freshener/tooth whitener” which would not contain any ingredient which turns the saliva red and is associated with bad health.
Brosnan said that he is committed to support programs which promote healthcare and research which improve health and alleviate suffering. However, the product was presented as “all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient.”
The James Bond actor has demanded the actor remove his name from all their products, and that Pan Bahar had “grossly manipulated” to falsely present him as an ambassador of all their products.
The advertisement which sent fans into a frenzy was banned in India as all paan masala, tobacco and alcohol ads in India are illegal and are automatically and unconditionally banned.
India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani told DNA India that “I haven’t seen the ad. But it is very difficult to believe Pierce Brosnan has done this. Money can hardly be a criteria when you’re selling death to people.”
Twitter Mocks Former James Bond
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
So Pierce Brosnan thought Pan Bahaar was a tooth whitener.
Even we thought Britishers were smart.
Now we are even.
— Cryptic Mind (@Vishj05) October 21, 2016
“Pan Bahar’s a tooth whitener”
Pierce Brosnan: “Okay”
*points to an electricity pole* “…and that’s the Qutub Minar”
Pierce: “Beautiful”
— Akshar (@AksharPathak) October 21, 2016
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
Pierce Brosnan is like an Engineering Student who study whole night for the next day examination, but had no idea what he is studying.😂
— Ashoke Dinda (@SirAshokeDinda) October 21, 2016
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
Pierce Brosnon shows the way.Exits Pan Bahar ad.Says he was misled.Sets a good example. Will our greedy for money desi stars do the same?
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) October 21, 2016
