Bollywood stars warned over pan masala ads

Three prominent Bollywood actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, have been warned by Maharashtra authorities over advertisements linked to a brand associated with a prohibited pan masala product.

The warning was issued as Maharashtra steps up its food safety campaign and takes stricter action against businesses and products considered to pose health risks.

According to the state Food and Drug Administration, the actors appeared in promotional material for Vimal-branded cardamoms. Authorities, however, said the brand is strongly associated with a pan masala product that is prohibited under relevant regulations.

Officials expressed concern that advertising the associated brand could indirectly promote the banned product by keeping its name and identity familiar to consumers.

The Maharashtra FDA has asked the three actors to provide explanations within 15 days. The notice also warned that continued use of the brand in promotional campaigns could reinforce consumer recognition of the prohibited product.

The controversy comes as Maharashtra’s food safety authorities have intensified inspections across Mumbai and other parts of the state. Officials have recently taken action against restaurants and food businesses over hygiene and safety violations.

Authorities have also targeted large retail and food chains as part of the wider campaign, including the closure of several outlets and warehouses.

Pan masala remains a major consumer market in India despite concerns over its health effects. Medical experts have repeatedly warned that products containing areca nut can contribute to serious oral health problems and increase the risk of conditions that may develop into oral cancer, particularly when tobacco is also involved.

The actors’ representatives have not publicly responded to the warning so far. The company associated with the Vimal brand has also not issued a response to the notice.

The case has renewed debate over celebrity endorsements of products that may be marketed under one category while remaining closely associated with restricted or harmful products. It also places greater attention on the responsibility of public figures when promoting brands with controversial product lines.