The tie up between the hosiery bran Lux Cozi and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has currently gone on hold. “Respecting the sentiments of Kolkata and people of Bengal, both, Lux Industries and KKR have decided to put their association on hold until issues are resolved and the sensitivities of the aggrieved group are adequately addressed,” the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchisee said on Monday.
As per the link-up, the innerwear brand, owned by Ashok Todi, an accused in Rizwanur Rahman suicide case, was supposed to be associated with KKR’s apparel merchandising. Lux Hosiery had also signed the Bollywood star as their brand ambassador.
“Presently it has come to our attention that the sentiments of a group of people in Kolkata have been hurt due to the personal affairs of individuals associated with one of the parties to the association.
“Our association and we say this on behalf of both Lux Industries Ltd. and KKR, was never intended to hurt any sentiments or disturb any sensibilities,” a statement from the franchisee added.
The Todis were charged with abetting the suicide of computer graphics designer Rizwanur Rehman after he married Ashok Todi’s daughter Priyanka.
A criminal case has been registered with the Todi brothers who are currently on bail. SRK, on his last visit to Kolkata, met the Todis as the deal had come up sparking anger in various parts of the city.
In fact, the Imam of Kolkata’s second biggest mosque had written to Khan, appealling to scrap the deal.
“The association was worked upon, on the basis of the fact that, Lux Industries Ltd is a company doing business successfully in India and based in Kolkata for more than last 50 years.
“The association was truly professional and offered a sound synergic alliance between the two organizations. No matters concerning individuals associated with the respective organisations were envisaged as this was a purely professional tie-up.