The iconic ‘Nandu’ anti-smoking ad featuring Akshay Kumar, which played before any film presentation in theatres, has been discontinued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), states a new report.
As reported by Bollywood Hungama, a decision was taken by the CBFC to discontinue the ad and it was replaced by a new one which shows how quitting tobacco can lead to positive changes in your body within 20 minutes. Recent releases like Jigra and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video didn’t have the ‘Nandu’ ad play before the feature presentation.
The Akshay Kumar ad was shown for the first time in 2018, during the release of the actor’s film Gold. The public service advertisement shows Akshay telling a man named Nandu to stop smoking and instead use the money to buy a sanitary pad for his wife. The ad also helped promote Akshay’s 2018 film Pad Man.
The character of Nandu in the ad was played Ajay Singh Pal.
Quoting a multiplex official, the Bollywood Hungama report stated, “It was my favourite anti-smoking ad as it gave out an important message without any disturbing visuals. It also used to be amusing to see moviegoers repeating the dialogues from the ad. After all, they were watching the ad for 6 years. The moviegoers had memorized all its lines! I am sure I am and many other moviegoers will surely miss the ad.”