Cinema VinesDuring the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the film fraternity on Tuesday, September 22, urging celebrities to be cautious about the products they promote. She warned that popular artists wield significant influence over children and young people, and that endorsing items that could harm public health is irresponsible.
Murmu highlighted the responsibility of stars to model healthy lifestyles, noting that when successful artists speak about discipline and wellness, millions of young viewers emulate them. She said, “When successful artists speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people emulate them. I urge popular artists not to endorse products that are harmful to people's health. A true star is the one who spreads light, not darkness.”
In addition to the endorsement issue, the President called for greater respect and social security for workers, assistants, small‑scale artists and newcomers in the industry. She also requested more women on the juries that select films for the National Film Awards, stating that “incorporating the female perspective in any field makes it possible to form a holistic human outlook.”
The remarks came amid a controversy involving the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, which had issued show‑cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff for their participation in a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The FDA alleged that the campaign served as indirect promotion of Vimal Pan Masala, a product banned in the state. The actors were asked to explain their involvement, and the matter has reached the Delhi High Court, which dismissed a petition by PB Agro LLP challenging the notices.
The National Film Awards, which recognize achievements in Indian cinema for 2024, were presented outside New Delhi for the first time, marking a departure from the traditional venue at Vigyan Bhawan. The ceremony brought together leading figures from the industry and underscored the President’s call for ethical responsibility among celebrities.
