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, 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.
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.
However in the midst of all this he didn'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.
Left with no other choice, Akshay tweeted on Wednesday night, "I would like to apologise 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.