President Murmu asks stars not to promote harmful products, X asks 'why not ban?'
The internet had some doubts after President Droupadi Murmu urged film stars to think twice before endorsing products that could harm health. Her message at the National Film Awards 2026 was aimed squarely at the film fraternity, but once the video was shared on the official X handle of the President of India, the conversation quickly moved beyond celebrity endorsements. Several users had a bigger question: if these products are harmful, why are they still being allowed to be made and sold in the first place?
Speaking at the 72nd National Film Awards in Gujarat on Tuesday, Murmu urged popular film artists not to endorse products that could harm people’s health.
The remarks found plenty of support online. Some users agreed that actors and other high-profile personalities need to think twice before attaching their names to products that could have health risks, particularly when their audience includes young people.
But another section of X wasn’t so much interested in the stars as it was in the system around them. “If you know that it is a harmful substance anyway, then why don’t you just permanently ban it?” one user asked.
Another user questioned whether the government itself could do more, writing, “Your Excellency, if you so desire, with just one command from you, a ban could be imposed on narcotic substances, granting India a new lease on life — but who knows, perhaps you too have your own constraints (sic).”
The same line of questioning came up repeatedly. Some users called for a ban covering the entire supply chain – from manufacturing to promotion – while others pointed to the revenue governments earn from products that remain legally available.
“I do not understand one thing: if something is harmful, do not give permission to sell it. The government will not stop its income, but it will ask actors or influencers not to endorse it (sic),” read another response.
Not everyone pushed the conversation towards government regulation. Several users backed Murmu’s message and said celebrities should be more conscious of the influence they have.
“There couldn’t have been a better message than this - our heartfelt thanks to our President for stating it so clearly. The impact of such advertisements on the minds of young people is very profound,” one user wrote. Another called it an “extremely effective message”, while others echoed the call for restrictions on such products.
Read all the comments here: In her speech on September 22, she pointed to the influence stars have over young audiences and said their words and actions can shape the choices of millions of children and young people.
“A true star is the one who spreads light, not darkness,” she said, making a direct appeal to celebrities to use their influence responsibly.
The debate came at a time when celebrity endorsements of pan masala and similar products are already facing increased scrutiny.
In August, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their association with a pan masala advertisement. Mundhe has said the rules can apply to manufacturers, sellers and celebrity endorsers.
Watch her speech here:endorsement Star , pic.twitter.com/5VPwBxK4Y2— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 22, 2026
President Murmu’s comments came during a ceremony that otherwise centred on celebrating the best of Indian cinema. She presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, where leading actors, filmmakers and technicians were recognised for their work. The ceremony was also the first time the National Film Awards were held outside Delhi.
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan and Mollywood veteran Mammootty were jointly conferred with the Best Actor awards. Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her role in the 2024 film Article 370.- EndsPublished By: Anisha RaoPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 12:11 IST
