Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan told Indian authorities that he was cheated into advertising Pan Bahar, an Indian mouth freshener that's said to be dangerous to health.
The former Bond said Ashok & Co, which makes Pan Bahar, did not disclose the harmful nature of the product when he was roped in to advertise the product. The company is yet to respond to the actor's statement, but it told the media that there was no tobacco in the product.
The company had issued a statement to The Indian Express, saying: “As we support our country’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, we are proud to have Mr. Brosnan on board and would like to thank him for lending his image for the short film of Pan Bahar and taking the brand to next level while making it classier with his elegance and style. There is rave on social media regarding the new (ad) however we believe there is lack of awareness about the product that Mr. Brosnan has done a short film for – a Pan Masala (Indian mouth freshener) which has Betelnut, Lime, Catechu, Cardamom seeds, Sandal wood oil, and Kewara in it and there is NO Tobacco No Nicotine content in this product. Also confirming there is no tobacco product under this brand name… attached (is) the certificate for the declaration of NO Tobacco, No Nicotine from the brand. We need to convey the same to media so that they are aware of the fact before publishing any negative comments.”
Pan Bahar is said to be addictive and has been linked to cancer. It is banned from national and satellite television in the country and Brosnan was criticised heavily for endorsing a harmful product.
The actor later clarified that he was cheated and that his contract said Pan Bahar was a "breath freshener" or "tooth whitener" containing "neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient."
Brosnan also apologised to to anyone he may have offended, saying he had incurred personal losses due to cancer.
He said: "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."
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