I was invited by Laxman's family: Akshay Kumar

Jul 13, 2010 IANS

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Actor Akshay Kumar, who has been labelled a "jackass" by a film critic for visiting ailing cartoonist R.K. Laxman, says he didn't do it to promote his forthcoming film "Khatta Meetha" but was invited to do so.

"As usual people are so quick to judge situations. I was invited by Mr. Laxman's family...to visit him in the hospital. They thought it would be nice (for him) to meet the man that is bringing to life his legendary comic (cartoon)," Akshay, who met the cartoonist Sunday, posted on social networking site Twitter.

His smiling photograph with Laxman on the hospital bed was splashed across all media, and Akshay has been receiving criticism ever since.

Apparently, Akshay's character in "Khatta Meetha" is inspired by Laxman's 'Common Man' cartoon character and his visit was seen as a marketing gimmick.

"...anyone who sees my smile by his bedside in any other way other than love has a cold judgemental heart and I can only pity them," Akshay wrote.

Film critic Rajeev Masand called Akshay a "jackass" post his visit to the ailing cartoonist.

"Need innovative ideas to promote films in competitive times. But Akshay Kumar grinning like a jackass at R.K. Laxman's hospital bed is a new low," wrote Masand on his Twitter page.

Akshay Kumar promotes Khatta Meetha inspecting the Roads of Mumbai - View Pictures

But Masand calling Akshay a "jackass" didn't go well with Amitabh Bachchan, who protested and posted a message on his social netwroking page.

"Rajeev...your fraternity will never pull you up for calling Akshay a 'jackass'. Ever thought if the reverse were to be done...would your fraternity have spared Akshay if he were to address you as one? Never expected this language from you," Bachchan posted.

Big B's post led to a war of words between the superstar and Masand.

Masand typed out a "humble reply" to Amitabh.

"Dear Sir, Let's consider - 'if my fraternity won't pull me up for that 'jackass' comment, could it possibly be because they see some sense in my comment? Or could it be because that's what fraternity does: Stands by each other? You should know, Sir.

"I don't remember your fraternity pulling you up for the attack on photographers by security outside your house during Abhishek's wedding. I don't remember your fraternity so much as expressing outrage when Abhishek 'allegedly' bashed up a photographer on a film set. But your concern sir, is the use of the term 'jackass'."

Masand went on to explain his stand, and meanwhile Akshay thanked Big B for showing his support.

"Never have I felt such a strong support towards me in my career. The love you have for your colleagues and our fraternity is one to be admired and followed. I understand what ever we say or do sir will always be speculated and blown into outrageous proportions, but always know you have a greatness about you that even the best of people find hard to understand," posted Akshay.

"My deepest gratitude to you for your humble support, if only we all possessed a bit of dignity quite like yours...," he added.

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Khatta Meetha