Akshay to endorse packaged water

It looks like Akshay Kumar is in for a major image makeover. The actor who is known for his ‘clean' image is apparently all set to endorse a brand that is owned by industrialist Vijay Mallya and that also produces alcohol.

Naturally, the actor's decision to do so has set tongues wagging in the industry. Our industry insider says, "Akshay has always played by the rules of healthy living. He doesn't party and even works out religiously. He is also very religious. Though he will endorse only the bottled water manufactured by the company, it is surprising that he would agree to support the brand as a whole."

A friend of the actor however states, "Akshay is not endorsing the alcoholic product. He will only be the face of the packaged drinking water. He will be replacing Abhay Deol in the ad and apparently a pretty expensive financial deal has been inked."

An industry insider points out, "Ever since a ban was implied on alcohol advertising, some alcohol companies have come up with newer products under the same brand name. In fact, even Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Ajay Devgn have inked similar deals in the past."