CBFC removes Akshay Kumar's anti-smoking ad featuring Nandu from theaters after more than 6 years

The most popular Akshay Kumar’s anti-smoking advertisement will no longer display in theaters. As per recent news, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has opted to remove this advertisement, which has been displayed before films for six years. Although the reasons for this abrupt decision are not clear, reports suggest that it has been replaced with a new anti-tobacco advertisement.

As per a report from Bollywood Hungama, the update was implemented in September 2024, with the Nandu advertisement noticeably missing from the Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video before the film. The choice to eliminate the ad featuring Akshay Kumar was made last month, and the new ad emphasizes the advantages of quitting tobacco in just 20 minutes.

The Nandu advertisement features actor Ajay Pal, originally from Madhya Pradesh, alongside Akshay Kumar. Ajay, who had a small role in Akshay's 2018 film Padman, gained attention while selling cotton to Akshay’s character. Subsequently, he was invited to be part of the anti-smoking advertisement, as reported by Midday. Ajay also appeared in Akshay's 2023 film Selfie.

For those who may not know, the ad stars Akshay Kumar and Ajay Singh Pal as Nandu. It shows Nandu smoking a cigarette while talking about his wife's hygiene problems. First aired during the release of Akshay's 2018 film Gold, the advertisement features Akshay encouraging Nandu to quit smoking and instead spend that money on buying sanitary pads for his wife, effectively promoting the message of Padman as well.

Professionally, Akshay Kumar has an exciting slate of films in development, including Jolly LLB 3, Welcome to the Jungle, Bhoot Bangla, Skyforce, Housefull 5, Hera Pheri 3, and more. His latest appearance was a cameo in Stree 2, which stars Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor.