President’s call puts spotlight on celebrity endorsements of harmful products
The President, said popular artists, particularly those who influence children and young people, should promote disciplined lifestyles and refrain from endorsing substances harmful to health
Public health officials have called for stricter oversight of celebrity endorsements promoting harmful products after President Droupadi Murmu urged artists to avoid endorsing substances detrimental to health. The President's comments, made during the 72nd National Film Awards in Gujarat, came amid concerns over Maharashtra's actions against a Vimal Elaichi advertisement featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating whether the Vimal Elaichi campaign constitutes surrogate advertising for Vimal Pan Masala, a product banned in Maharashtra. The issue has also reached the courts, with the Delhi High Court declining to entertain a challenge to the FDA notices and directing the petitioner to approach the appropriate court in Maharashtra.
Public health advocates have long raised concerns about the influence of celebrity endorsements, particularly their impact on younger audiences, and the potential health consequences associated with tobacco and areca nut consumption. Cancer specialists have warned about the risks of tobacco and areca-nut use, while the Vimal campaign is not the first instance of Bollywood celebrities facing scrutiny over such endorsements.
The debate highlights the need for a clear legal framework governing the endorsement and advertising of harmful products, including tobacco and ultra-processed foods.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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