President Murmu warns celebrities against endorsing harmful products at National Film Awards

At the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held near the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, President Droupadi Murmu reminded popular film artists and celebrities of their social responsibility. President Murmu said artists have a strong influence on children and young people, and should therefore not advertise products that could prove harmful to public health.

Speaking of the popularity of celebrities and their influence on fans, the President said that when successful artists talk about discipline and a healthy lifestyle, millions of children and young people begin to imitate them. She appealed to popular artists to stay away from endorsing products that harm people's health, and said the true star is one whose character spreads positivity and light in society.

The President's remark is being linked to the Vimal Elaichi advertisement case in Maharashtra. In August 2026, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had sent show-cause notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over the Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The FDA had questioned whether the presentation of the advertisement amounted to surrogate advertising for Vimal Pan Masala, which is banned in Maharashtra. Responses were sought from all three actors in the matter.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has raised the issue of celebrities' responsibility while endorsing products. He said that no matter how popular a person is, as an endorser they bear legal responsibility. According to the notice, one actor did not respond, following which further action was initiated against him. The FDA notice also stated that given the product presentation, the brand name and references to a larger market in the Vimal Elaichi advertisement, it amounted to surrogate advertising for the banned product.

At the National Film Awards ceremony, President Murmu also stressed the need for greater participation of women in the juries of the National Film Awards, saying the presence of women should be assured in every regional jury. This year's ceremony honoured artists and veterans from various sectors of the film industry. The event near the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, was attended by several well-known figures from Indian cinema.

President Droupadi Murmu's remarks on celebrity advertisements, the Maharashtra FDA's action in the Vimal Elaichi case, and the question of advertisers' responsibility raised by Tukaram Mundhe have together brought the issue of celebrity endorsements back into the spotlight.