Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has firmly backed President Droupadi Murmu's appeal to film stars, urging them to refrain from endorsing products that could pose risks to public health. Mundhe emphasized that celebrity influence does not grant immunity from legal and ethical responsibilities.
In a public statement, Mundhe asserted, "Influence is not immunity." His remarks came in response to President Murmu's address at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, where she highlighted the immense power popular film artists wield in influencing the nation's populace, particularly the youth. Murmu underscored that when successful artists advocate for a disciplined lifestyle, millions of young people are inspired to follow suit.
The President implored celebrities to avoid promoting products detrimental to health, stating that a true star illuminates, rather than casts shadows. Mundhe reiterated this sentiment, stressing that artists, like all citizens, must uphold the law and acknowledge the significant responsibility that accompanies endorsing products, behaviors, and habits that shape public choices. "When influence is used to endorse food products, public health cannot be an afterthought," he added.
FDA Takes Action on Surrogate Advertising
Mundhe confirmed that the Maharashtra FDA has previously issued notices to various artists concerning endorsements that raised significant public interest concerns. He underscored the principle that "no one is above the law" and that commercial interests must never supersede public health.
Specifically, the Maharashtra FDA issued notices on August 11 to prominent Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff. These notices were related to an advertisement for Vimal Elaichi. The FDA contended that this advertisement constituted a surrogate promotion for Vimal Pan Masala, a product explicitly prohibited within Maharashtra, raising serious public health questions.
The FDA Commissioner concluded by stating, "The principle is simple: no one is above the law, and no commercial interest can take precedence over public health."