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Health
Tukaram Mundhe Criticises Celebrities Endorsing Gutka, Urges Parents to Protect Children
✍️ India Today
🗓 01 Oct 2026, 01:37 PM
👁 6
Health activist Tukaram Mundhe has publicly condemned celebrities who promote gutka, warning that such endorsements expose children to harmful tobacco products.
Health activist Tukaram Mundhe has taken a stand against the promotion of gutka by popular celebrities. In a recent statement, he criticized the endorsement of the smokeless tobacco product, which is known to cause serious health risks.
Mundhe pointed out that gutka, a mixture of tobacco, slaked lime and flavoring, is illegal in several Indian states but continues to be marketed through celebrity endorsements. He warned that such advertising targets impressionable audiences, especially children.
The activist urged parents to be vigilant and to educate their children about the dangers of tobacco. He emphasized that children exposed to gutka through media are at higher risk of addiction and health complications.
The statement has drawn attention from public health officials and sparked debate on the role of celebrities in promoting harmful products. While some industry representatives defend the right to advertise, health advocates call for stricter enforcement of existing bans.
Mundhe pointed out that gutka, a mixture of tobacco, slaked lime and flavoring, is illegal in several Indian states but continues to be marketed through celebrity endorsements. He warned that such advertising targets impressionable audiences, especially children.
The activist urged parents to be vigilant and to educate their children about the dangers of tobacco. He emphasized that children exposed to gutka through media are at higher risk of addiction and health complications.
The statement has drawn attention from public health officials and sparked debate on the role of celebrities in promoting harmful products. While some industry representatives defend the right to advertise, health advocates call for stricter enforcement of existing bans.