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President Droupadi Murmu urged film stars to avoid endorsing harmful products, stressing their influence over the public, especially young audiences.
National Film Awards 2026: President Droupadi Murmu Urges Celebs To Refrain From Endorsing Harmful Products
The 72nd National Film Awards took place on Tuesday, September 22, at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat. During the presentation ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a speech, during which she urged film stars to think carefully about the products they put their names behind, particularly those that could have a negative impact on public health.
‘The Job Of A Star Is To Spread Light’
Droupadi Murmu was speaking at the National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, where she presented honours recognising achievements in Indian cinema for 2024. The event was held outside Delhi for the first time.
Towards the end of her address, the President turned her attention to the influence that popular actors wield over audiences, especially young people.
“Film artistes, who are extremely popular, have the huge power to influence the people of the country, especially the youth,” she said. Murmu pointed out that when well-known stars speak about maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, people tend to listen and follow their example.
She then made a direct appeal to the industry’s biggest names to stay away from endorsements that could be harmful to people’s health.
“When popular film stars talk about the importance of a disciplined lifestyle, people sit up and take notice. The people follow them. I would like to request the biggest stars of India to refrain from endorsing anything that may prove to be harmful to the body. The job of a star is to spread light”, she said.
Celebrity Endorsements Under The Scanner
The President did not name any particular actor or brand in her speech. However, her comments come amid an ongoing controversy surrounding a Vimal Elaichi advertisement featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff.
For the unversed, in August 2026, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff were served show-cause notices from the Maharashtra FDA over their Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The regulator alleged that the campaign could amount to surrogate advertising for Vimal Pan Masala, a product banned in Maharashtra.
President Droupadi Murmu’s comments come against the backdrop of a fresh debate around celebrity endorsements.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The 72nd National Film Awards took place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, marking the first time the event was held outside of Delhi.
Ask News18September 22, 2026, 20:37 IST