National Film Awards 2026: President Droupadi Murmu Urges Celebs To Refrain From Endorsing Harmful Products
National Film Awards 2206: Droupadi Murmu urges celebrities to avoid harmful products amid Vimal Elaichi controversy involving Bollywood stars.
National Film Awards 2206: Droupadi Murmu Urges Celebrities To Avoid Harmful Product Endorsements Amid Vimal Elaichi Controversy Involving Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff
The 72nd National Film Awards were presented on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, with President Droupadi Murmu conferring the honours. The ceremony recognised outstanding contributions to Indian cinema for the year 2024 and brought together prominent personalities from across the film industry. Veteran actor Anant Nag was also honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
While the ceremony celebrated Indian cinema and its creative achievements, President Murmu’s address also drew attention to the wider social influence of film personalities. She highlighted the ability of popular artists to influence the choices and lifestyles of millions of people, particularly children and young audiences.
Droupadi Murmu’s Message To Film Celebrities
During her address, Droupadi Murmu urged popular film artists to be careful about the products they promote. She specifically encouraged celebrities to avoid endorsing products that may be harmful to public health.
The President noted that successful artists can influence young people when they speak about healthy and disciplined lifestyles. Her message placed emphasis on the responsibility that comes with celebrity influence and the large audiences that actors and other public personalities command.
Her comments have received significant attention because they came amid an ongoing debate over celebrity endorsements and products associated with tobacco and pan masala advertising.
Vimal Elaichi Controversy Explained
The remarks also came in the backdrop of the Vimal Elaichi controversy, involving advertisements featuring major Bollywood actors. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their association with a Vimal Elaichi advertisement.
According to reports, the Maharashtra FDA questioned whether the campaign could amount to surrogate advertising for Vimal Pan Masala. Surrogate advertising refers to promotional strategies in which a brand associated with a restricted or regulated product is promoted through another product carrying similar branding or identity.
The regulatory action has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of celebrities when they appear in advertisements, particularly when a brand is associated by consumers with products that face restrictions.
Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn And Tiger Shroff Under Scrutiny
The names of Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have become part of the discussion surrounding celebrity advertising practices following the Maharashtra FDA notices.
The notices sought explanations regarding their involvement in the advertisement campaign. Reports also indicate that the legal dispute surrounding the regulatory action has reached the courts. The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition filed by PB Agro LLP challenging the Maharashtra FDA’s notices.
The controversy illustrates how celebrity endorsements can attract regulatory attention when authorities believe that advertising may indirectly promote products subject to restrictions.
Why Celebrity Endorsements Matter
Celebrity endorsements have considerable reach because actors often have large fan bases across different age groups. Advertisements featuring well-known stars can increase brand recognition and connect products with the public image of the celebrity.
President Murmu’s comments at the National Film Awards therefore highlighted a broader issue: celebrities can influence not only entertainment preferences but also lifestyle choices. Her appeal focused on encouraging film personalities to use their public influence responsibly, especially when their audiences include young people.
The discussion does not establish guilt or liability merely because an actor appears in an advertisement. Those questions depend on applicable laws, regulatory proceedings and the facts of individual cases.
President Also Calls For Greater Representation Of Women
The President’s address covered issues beyond advertising. Droupadi Murmu called for greater participation of women in regional juries responsible for selecting films for the National Film Awards.
She also highlighted the importance of respect and social security for workers, assistants, small-scale artists and others working in the creative economy. Her broader message focused on building a more inclusive and responsible film industry.
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National Film Awards 2026 Spotlight Responsibility Alongside Recognition
The 72nd National Film Awards celebrated India’s cinematic achievements while also providing a platform for discussion about the film industry’s wider social responsibilities. President Murmu’s appeal regarding harmful products has added another dimension to the ongoing conversation about celebrity endorsements.
As the Vimal Elaichi controversy involving Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff continues through regulatory and legal processes, the issue of how celebrities promote products is likely to remain a subject of public discussion. The President’s remarks underline the importance of considering the potential influence of advertising on audiences, particularly young people, alongside the commercial interests of the entertainment industry.
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