A fortnight ago it was revealed that a dated Punjabi film, Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya had splashed Akshay Kumar all over its promotional campaign to present him as a prominent cast member. While sources close to the actor had dismissed this as a tactic from the makers to take undue advantage of his superstar appeal, courtesy the fact that he hadn't really shot for the film per se, Akshay is mighty upset now. Reason being that till date the makers haven't budged from their stand and continue to use Akshay's 'appearance' in its promos and other promotional design, despite the actor categorically staying away from it.
"When the news first broke, those close to Akshay had made it clear that the footage shown in this Thakur Tapasvi directed affair was not for the film but for a generic message on Indo-Pak peace. A legal notice for this was put together as well. Still, Akshay's name features as a 'Special Appearance' in the promos. Moreover, as the film readies for its release later this month, Akshay's presence is being made all the more prominent. This is totally uncalled for. It was first believed that after Akshay's rebuttal, these people will back off but that hasn't been the case. It is very disappointing," says a source.
Considering the fact that Akshay has never really taken on his adversaries full frontal, he hasn't gone on an offensive yet. However he doesn't want his loyal fan base to be taken for a ride and has made an effort to let them know all over again that he is not a part of the film.
"He isn't someone who would want trouble or losses for anyone. However he takes his large fan base very personally. The last thing he would want is someone to watch a film to see him on the big screen and return disappointed. If it was a film that would have released without promotion and hadn't highlighted him prominently, he would have just let it pass. Since that is not the case here, he had no other option left but to make an official statement," the source continues.
{{/usCountry}}"He isn't someone who would want trouble or losses for anyone. However he takes his large fan base very personally. The last thing he would want is someone to watch a film to see him on the big screen and return disappointed. If it was a film that would have released without promotion and hadn't highlighted him prominently, he would have just let it pass. Since that is not the case here, he had no other option left but to make an official statement," the source continues.
{{/usCountry}}Left with no other choice, Akshay tweeted on Wednesday night, "I would like to apologies to my fans, unfortunately a favour I did for a Punjabi film many years ago, has decided to abuse my honest handout & is now using me to sell their film. I would just like to clear the air, I did a favour for a late friend & shot for 3 hours for free, 8 years later they seem to think splashing my face around as if I'm the hero of the film is going to help their turn over. My part is merely a favour, I wouldn't want to disappoint anyone. But please still enjoy the film that I am hardly a part of..."
Guess that should set the records straight.
Trivia: Unconfirmed reports also indicate Sanjay Dutt in a special appearance for the film. One wonders what do people from his camp have to say about that.