Actor and director Saraf Ahmed Zibon and actor Shimul Sharma have clarified their position in social media posts for acting in a new advertisement commissioned by Coca-Cola Bangladesh which drew massive criticism from people.
The advertisement made in a bid to counter an international call for a boycott of Coca-Cola products in protest of Israel鈥檚 war on Gaza drew massive flak and people called for a boycott of both Saraf Ahmed Zibon and actor Shimul Sharma on social media.
In the advertisement, Saraf Ahmed Zibon tells people that the boycott of Coca-Cola products was based on false information, lack of understanding and rumours.
Saraf Ahmed Zibon, who also directed the advertisement, in his post wrote, 鈥業 am known to everyone as a producer and actor. I have been involved in production and acting for the past two decades. Recently Coca-Cola Bangladesh hired me to direct and act in one of their commercials. I have presented only the information and data they provided in the work.鈥�
鈥楽ince the ad aired, I have noticed a lot of mixed reactions from you and with all due respect I would like to reiterate that work is only a part of my professional life. In my personal life, I have always stood against any aggression against human rights. I did not take the side of Israel here and I never support Israel. My heart has always been, always will be, on the side of justice and humanity,鈥� he mentioned on Monday.
Shimul Sharma, in his post on Tuesday, wrote, 鈥業 have not yet reached the level to be able to introduce myself as an actor because I still lack the foresight needed to be an actor鈥� Therefore, I have hurt the audience, my family and people of the country by acting in this production without giving it much thought.鈥�
He said that he would consider human rights and people鈥檚 mind-sets before he acts in any productions in future. He also urged all to forgive his mistakes during his journey.
