President Murmu Urges Celebrities to Avoid Harmful Product Ads Amid Vimal Elaichi Row

President Droupadi Murmu has called on celebrities to exercise greater responsibility when endorsing commercial products, particularly those that could have harmful effects on public health.

Speaking at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on Tuesday, Murmu said popular film artists have significant influence over people, especially children and young audiences. She urged celebrities to use that influence to promote healthier and more disciplined lifestyles.

“I would like to request popular artists not to endorse substances harmful to health,” Murmu said. She added that a true star should spread light rather than darkness.

Remarks come amid Vimal Elaichi controversy

The President's comments come weeks after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated action involving Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their association with Vimal Elaichi advertising.

The Maharashtra FDA issued show-cause notices to the three actors on August 11, alleging that the advertisement amounted to surrogate promotion of Vimal Pan Masala, a product prohibited in Maharashtra. The regulator sought responses from the actors regarding their involvement in the campaign.

Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe later said celebrity status would not shield the actors from regulatory action. He has maintained that the FDA is proceeding with the matter under the applicable regulations.

Delhi HC rejects Vimal plea

The Vimal Elaichi controversy also reached the Delhi High Court after PB Agro LLP, the master licensee associated with the brand, challenged the Maharashtra FDA notices.

The Delhi High Court dismissed the petition on September 14, holding that Delhi was not the appropriate territorial jurisdiction for challenging action initiated by the Maharashtra authority. The court said courts in Maharashtra were the more appropriate and convenient forum for the dispute.

Importantly, the court did not decide the merits of the FDA's allegations against the advertisement or the actors.

Celebrities and public influence

Murmu's remarks place renewed focus on the wider question of celebrity endorsements and the influence of film stars on consumer behaviour.

Her comments were made during a ceremony celebrating India's film industry, where she highlighted the ability of successful artists to influence millions of young people. The 72nd National Film Awards were held for the first time outside New Delhi, with the ceremony taking place at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.

The President's appeal comes as regulatory scrutiny of celebrity advertising continues to develop, with the Vimal Elaichi case remaining subject to proceedings in Maharashtra.