Full Breakdown
President Droupadi Murmu Urges Film Stars to Shun Harmful Health Endorsements at 72nd National Film Awards
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Murmu’s Direct Appeal to Celebrities
On September 22 2026, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 72nd National Film Awards in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, warning film artists that their influence on children carries a responsibility to avoid promoting products that could damage public health.
Background: Ceremony Shift and Growing Regulatory Scrutiny
The awards, traditionally held at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, were moved to a venue near the Statue of Unity. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the relocation is part of a plan to host future editions at cultural-heritage sites, inviting states to propose locations.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has intensified oversight of celebrity-linked advertising. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued show-cause notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff for appearing in a Vimal Elaichi campaign alleged to promote prohibited pan-masala.
Official Statements & Responses
- President Murmu (verbatim):
*“When successful artists speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people emulate them. I urge popular artists not to endorse products that are harmful to people's health.”*
- Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (paraphrased): The shift aims to link the event with India’s tourism and cultural heritage and to encourage states to submit proposals with adequate facilities.
- Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe (paraphrased): The notices signal that celebrity status will not shield individuals from action when advertisements appear to promote prohibited pan-masala indirectly.
Criticism & Opposition
Regulatory officials highlighted the public-health risks of surrogate advertising, where products such as cardamom-flavored mouth fresheners keep tobacco-related brands visible. The Maharashtra FDA’s actions serve as a warning that endorsements of health-harmful products may attract legal scrutiny.
Award Highlights
- Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
- Yami Gautam won Best Actress for *Article 370*.
- Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared Best Actor for *Bramayugam* and *Chandu Champion*.
- Rajkumar Periasamy earned Best Direction for *Amaran*; Randeep Hooda was honored for *Swatantrya Veer Savarkar*.
- Additional honors included Best Popular Film (*Kalki 2898 AD*), Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values (*Captain Miller*), and regional awards for *Dholi* (Garhwali) and *IMBU* (Tulu).
What’s Next
The Maharashtra FDA continues its investigation into the alleged surrogate promotion of pan-masala, and states are invited to submit proposals for future award venues as outlined by Minister Vaishnaw. The President’s call for responsible endorsements remains a focal point for industry stakeholders as the next award cycle approaches.