Akshay gets called a 'jack*#@'

Big B rushes to Akki's defence after a journalist said that about him

Akshay Kumar has been promoting his movie 'Khatta Meetha' in some unusual ways recently, and not all of those ways have gone down too well. The star visited legendary cartoonist R K Laxman (who has been hospitalised after he suffered a stroke) a while ago. The idea was to get Laxman to watch the movie in which Akshay plays the 'common man' created by the cartoonist. Laxman can't speak or move much, but Akki took a picture next to his bedside anyway. Of course, Akki was all smiles in the pic, next to the bedridden cartoonist.

Seeing this, film critic Rajeev Masand posted on his Twitter page, "Need innovative ideas 2 promote films in competitive times. But Akshay Kumar grinning like a jack*#@ at R K Laxman's hospital bed is a new low."

Amitabh Bachchan took offence to this and responded, "Rajeev! Your fraternity will never pull you up for calling Akshay a 'jack*#@'. 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!!"

To this, Rajeev Masand replied: "Dear Mr Bachchan, in response to your message to me, my humble reply: Dear Sir, Let's consider: if my fraternity won't pull me up for that 'jack*#@' 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 'jack*#@'. A strong word, perhaps, but appropriate I think, to express horror at the complete lack of sensitivity involved in a film promotion of that nature. However controversial my choice of words, it is me taking a ‘stand’, Sir. Expressing my ‘opinion’. Two words your fraternity seems largely unfamiliar with. Regarding your outrage/disappointment at my choice of words: Apologies, Sir. If expressing my opinion lowers your impression of me, then that is a cross I shall have to bear.

But finally, by your own logic, Sir: will your fraternity pull up Akshay for this tasteless gimmick? Or do you think it is innovative too?"

And then Akki joined the interaction. He wrote to Big B, "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...

As usual people are so quick to judge situations. I was invited by Mr Laxman's family and press to visit him in the hospital, as they thought it would be nice to meet the man that is bringing to life his legendary comic. And anyone who seen my smile by his bedside in any other way other than love has a cold judgmental heart and i can only pity them. I understand whatever 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.

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

Wow, looks like in this particular case, two members of the B'wood fraternity are definitely sticking together.