Actor Shah Rukh Khan has turned 61, and his upcoming feature film King is slated to arrive around Christmas. While listeners recently had their first taste of the project through its newly unveiled song, an older video clip connected to his pan masala promotional campaign has simultaneously resurfaced online. Originating roughly a year ago, the footage captures an unscripted moment during a lavish reception hosted by an entrepreneur, where the actor left attendees laughing with his quick-witted comeback.
The Unexpected Zubaan Kesari Request from a Guest
The interaction, which gained traction on the platform X, dates back to 2025 during the wedding festivities of a Delhi businessman's daughter. While interacting with those present, a female guest specifically urged the star to recite Vimal Kesari's prominent catchphrase, Bolo Zubaan Kesari. Within moments, several individuals in the gathering began imitating the brand's well-known hand gesture towards the stage.
Humorous Jibe at Tobacco Brands and Corporate Contracts
Instead of dismissing the awkward demand, the performer turned the situation into an impromptu comedy bit that drew immediate laughter across the venue. In the recording, as the guest pressed him to execute the commercial's signature movement, he quipped back, “एक बार बिजनेस वालों के साथ बिजनेस कर लो, जान नहीं छोड़ते।” He quickly followed the remark by jokingly calling out the persistent nature of gutkha brands that refuse to let go once a deal is done.
A Light-Hearted Lesson on Commercial Work and Boundaries
Maintaining his light-hearted interaction with the young woman, the superstar pointed out the transactional nature of corporate endorsements. He told her that he normally charges money every time he performs such promotional acts, jokingly advising her to relay that detail to her father. Urging her to champion positive habits instead of promoting the wrong things, he playfully questioned whether she was genuinely an admirer of his work or merely a fan of Vimal.
The Enduring Controversy Over Pan Masala Endorsements
Commercial tie-ups with pan masala manufacturers have repeatedly sparked online backlash against leading Bollywood figures, including both Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn. In a similar past episode, Akshay Kumar issued a public apology to his supporters following severe public pushback over his association with the segment. The issue has also invited administrative scrutiny, with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra issuing formal notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff regarding these endorsement campaigns.
