A day after actor Ram was slapped fine for smoking in a public place under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) 2003, the actor has given a clarification on the gaffe stating that he did lit a cigarette near the historic Charminar monument, but it was for a song sequence in his upcoming film, iSmart Shankar. 

The smoking picture of Ram has kicked storm and triggered a wave of reactions on social media. With the actor issuing a clarification on the issue, hope the frenzy fades now. 

Directed by Puri Jagannadh, iSmart Shankar -- starring Nabha Natesh and Niddhi Agerwal as the female leads -- is in the last leg of its production and the team is currently filming the title song with Ram and others. The film is slated for release on July 18.