Amitabh Bachchan criticized for de-endorsing “Pepsi”

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan had revealed that he had stopped endorsing Pepsi, when a young girl from Ahmedabad had asked him why he was promoting the soft drinks, which her teacher has branded as ‘poison’. He said this statement of the girl forced him to think about it. People have a negative image of soft drinks in their minds and so he decided to stop endorsing Pepsi. Pepsico company was shocked by their brand ambassador’s statement. Company executives wondered why the mega star equated the brand with ” Poison”.

According to sources, Big B has been the brand ambassador of soft drink brand Pepsico for many years. He is a living legend, and it’s only natural that statements such as his can sadden employees of any organisation, as they look up to their brand ambassadors as thought leaders.”

But the contract with the company came to a natural end after a completion of 8-year period. The company said that after the expiration of the contract, it was not extended, the company has been paying Rs. 3 crore each year to the actor. In total, it amounts to Rs. 24 crore. In 1998, the company made him the brand ambassador of Mirinda Lemon. Thereafter, in 2002 to 2005, he advertised for Pepsi cola.

Rohit Ohri the chairman of Dentsu Group of India said that,” Bachchan has advertised for Pepsi for many years and every brand ambassador thinks hard before accepting the offer. He stated he is surprised that after so many years, how his views are changed about the product he has been campaigning and promoting for. Criticising a brand after endorsing it doesn’t seem appropriate.”

Vinita Bangard, founder-CEO of talent management firm Krossover Entertainment said, “A celeb can’t de-endorse a brand he/she has backed in the past on the basis of a comment someone else has made, unless he/she can back the claim with proof.”

Social media has slammed Bachchan’s comments, drawing parallels to a brand he currently endorses – Maggi noodles. Amitabh Bachchan didn’t respond to several calls and messages seeking his comments on the controversy.