President Murmu urges celebrities to avoid endorsing harmful products

President Droupadi Murmu has urged film artists to refrain from endorsing products that are harmful to public health. Speaking at the 72nd National Film Awards in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, Murmu stated that a “true star” should spread light rather than darkness, noting that young people often emulate the lifestyles and choices of successful celebrities.

Her remarks coincide with legal scrutiny regarding surrogate advertising in India. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff for appearing in advertisements for ‘Vimal Elaichi’. The FDA contends that these campaigns serve as surrogate advertising for pan masala, a product banned in Maharashtra, creating a direct mental association between the cardamom product and the prohibited substance.

Murmu’s appeal has sparked public debate on social media. While many supporters called for greater celebrity responsibility, other commenters questioned the government's role, arguing that if certain products are known to be harmful, the state should focus on regulating their manufacture and sale rather than solely targeting endorsements.