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Entertainment
Bollywood Stars Face Backlash Over Pan Masala Endorsements
✍️ news18.com
🗓 20 Aug 2026, 07:38 AM
👁 5
Several leading Bollywood actors have come under public criticism after promoting pan masala brands, prompting calls for stricter advertising norms.
A list of ten well‑known Bollywood actors who have appeared in advertisements for pan masala products has drawn widespread criticism on social media and among health advocates. The actors, whose names were highlighted in a recent news feature, were accused of promoting a product linked to serious health risks, including oral cancer.
Public health groups have reiterated that pan masala contains nicotine and other harmful substances, and they argue that celebrity endorsements can normalize its consumption among younger audiences. In response, several consumer forums have demanded that advertising standards bodies enforce stricter guidelines on tobacco‑related products.
The controversy has also sparked debate in the entertainment industry about the responsibility of stars when choosing brand partnerships. While no legal action has been reported so far, the backlash underscores growing sensitivity toward health‑related advertising in India.
Public health groups have reiterated that pan masala contains nicotine and other harmful substances, and they argue that celebrity endorsements can normalize its consumption among younger audiences. In response, several consumer forums have demanded that advertising standards bodies enforce stricter guidelines on tobacco‑related products.
The controversy has also sparked debate in the entertainment industry about the responsibility of stars when choosing brand partnerships. While no legal action has been reported so far, the backlash underscores growing sensitivity toward health‑related advertising in India.