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Celebrity Status No Shield: FDA Targets Vimal Ad Actors
18 Sep
Summary
- Three Bollywood actors received show-cause notices from Maharashtra FDA.
- Advertisement alleged to be surrogate promotion of prohibited pan masala.
- FDA proceeding with action against actors regardless of celebrity status.
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated proceedings against Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff concerning a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe emphasized that their celebrity status offers no protection from regulatory action. The FDA issued show-cause notices on August 11, alleging the advertisement constituted surrogate promotion for Vimal Pan Masala, a product prohibited within Maharashtra.
Two of the three actors responded to the notices, arguing manufacturer responsibility. However, Mundhe rejected this, asserting that advertising regulations clearly place responsibility on the endorsers for due diligence. Proceedings have commenced against at least one actor who failed to respond within the stipulated period. The FDA is treating the actors as law violators, and legal procedures are proceeding accordingly.
