Celebs support a variety of brands and their endorsements are a significant source of income for them. They are paid handsomely for representing a specific brand. Many Bollywood stars, although, have chosen morals over money in numerous cases. Here are some celebrities who have turned down top-tier brands simply because it was not well for society.
Recently Akshay Kumar got involved in a controversy for endorsing a certain brand. On that note, we look at celebrities who have said 'NO' to big money commercials in order to stand with their morales.
Aamir Khan is one of the most socially aware actors. He reportedly turned down a leading automobile deal in 2013 to focus on his social activist image. Aamir, at first renegotiated his agreements with advertising agencies after the commencement of work on his TV show Satyamev Jayate, and eventually, terminated all of his advertising commitments.
Anushka Sharma has stated that she will never advertise for fairness products. She would not support things that promote racist and sexist beliefs, as well as social stigma. She will never spread any information that claims what is correct and what is not. Anushka disclosed it at a media event.
Sushant Singh Rajput was a man who believed in humanity and certain moral principles. He turned down a Rs 15 cr offer in 2018 because he was reluctant to advertise fairness products. Despite the fact that it was a significant offer, he reportedly turned it down right away.
Amitabh Bachchan once stated that he canceled endorsing Pepsi after being approached by a little girl who asked why he was supporting a soft drink that her teacher had called it ‘poison’. It made him realize that these ads create a certain impression on the minds of the people. He also stated that before working with any product or brand, he inspects it thoroughly.
Ranbir Kapoor was previously claimed to have declined an offer worth Rs 9 crore to represent a fairness cream. Such things, according to the actor, promote racism.
Sunny Leone allegedly turned down a sponsorship to market tobacco products. She also assured that she would never advertise such items in future.
Randeep Hooda has similarly spoken out against advertisements for fairness creams. He referred to it as a ‘colonial hangover’.
In 2015, Sawara Bhaskar was asked to appear in an advertisement for a fairness cream. She turned down the offer, claiming that the concept of fairness creams is backward and racist.
Allu Arjun, a Telugu megastar, is said to have declined a tobacco brand endorsement since he personally does not use it even though the pay cheque was huge. This would convey the incorrect message to his audience, he believed.
In 2013, Emraan Hashmi did not hesitate to reject a Rs 4 crore offer to advertise a liquor brand. Emraan turned down the offer because he knew he is a role model to many young people and he didn't want them all to go down the wrong path.
Even though the company owners were willing to pay her Rs 2 crore for a fairness cream commercial, Sai Pallavi refused. Pallavi revealed in an interview with Behindwoods that she had to decline the offer since it would send out the wrong messages to women who look up to her.