CBFC Discontinues Akshay Kumar’s Anti Smoking ‘Nandu’ Ad From Theatres

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OCTOBER 15,2024

Akshay Kumar's famous anti-smoking advertisement, popularly referred to as the 'Nandu' ad, has been pulled from theatres after six years. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recently decided to discontinue the ad, leaving many moviegoers nostalgic for its memorable message.

CBFC Removes the 'Nandu' Ad

A new report has revealed that the CBFC decided to remove the ad last month. However, the reason behind this decision remains unclear. The 'Nandu' ad, which featured Akshay Kumar alongside Ajay Singh Pal in the role of Nandu, was a staple before films in Indian theatres, reminding viewers about the dangers of smoking. The decision caught many by surprise, as the ad had been running since 2018 and became quite popular among audiences.

According to reports, the 'Nandu' ad will be replaced with a new anti-tobacco campaign. The new ad emphasises the positive impact of quitting tobacco, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Interestingly, the new ad debuted alongside films released last Friday, including Jigra, starring Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.

A multiplex official commented on the change, expressing disappointment: '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 dialogue from the ad. After all, they were watching the ad for 6 years. The moviegoers had memorised all its lines! I am sure I am and many other moviegoers will surely miss the ad.'

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A Social Message With A Bollywood Touch

The 'Nandu' ad was unique in the way it delivered a serious message in an engaging manner. In the ad, Nandu, played by Ajay Singh Pal, is seen smoking a cigarette while talking about his wife's hygiene issues. Akshay Kumar then steps in, pointing out how the money Nandu spends on cigarettes could be better spent on buying sanitary pads.

The ad was originally launched in 2018 around the release of Akshay Kumar's Gold, but also cleverly helped promote his socially relevant film Padman, which was about Arunachalam Muruganantham, a man who developed affordable sanitary pads for women in rural India.

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Public service announcements (PSAs) against smoking have been mandatory in Indian cinemas since 2012. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare made it compulsory for theatres to play such ads before the movie and during the intermission. While the Nandu ad will be missed, its replacement aims to continue spreading awareness about the dangers of smoking.