By Anil Merani: Eijaz Khan’s recent stance against smoking and vaping, particularly highlighted on World No Tobacco Day, is a commendable effort to use his influence in combating the glamorization of tobacco. His vocal opposition to the marketing of vaping as a “cool” alternative, along with his emphasis on its health risks and environmental impact—such as the non-biodegradable waste from vape devices—serves as a beacon of hope. His choice to remain smoke-free, motivated by personal health and social responsibility, sets a strong example for his younger fans, who might view smoking as a status symbol.
A broader issue at play is the mixed messaging from celebrities. While some, like Eijaz, advocate for healthier choices, others inadvertently or openly normalize smoking. For instance, Salman Khan recently shared a video of his brother Sohail smoking a cigarette, despite pairing it with a warning about the dangers of smoking. This creates a confusing duality—showing smoking while cautioning against it—which can dilute the overall message. Similarly, Mahira Khan faced backlash after being photographed smoking with Ranbir Kapoor in 2017. Although she later expressed how public scrutiny affected her mental health and has since spoken about quitting, such incidents illustrate how celebrities’ personal choices can conflict with public expectations.
Other celebrities have also taken steps to promote anti-smoking messages. For example, Hrithik Roshan has openly discussed his decision to quit smoking in an effort to inspire fans, emphasizing fitness and health. Priyanka Chopra has also supported anti-tobacco campaigns, using her global influence to raise awareness. However, smoking remains prevalent in the industry, and paparazzi shots of celebrities lighting up can undermine these efforts. Bollywood’s history of portraying smoking as glamorous in films does not help either, although stricter regulations on on-screen smoking have led to some positive changes.
The impact of celebrities speaking out against smoking is significant. Studies show that their endorsements can influence youth behavior. With smoking rates still high in India (about 28% of adults use tobacco, according to WHO), consistent anti-smoking messaging could lead to change. However, the challenge lies in instances where some stars are caught smoking or when brand endorsements subtly glamorize tobacco use. More celebrities adopting Eijaz’s approach—calling out myths and modeling healthier choices—could help shift the narrative, but it will require collective effort. Each of us has a role to play in this movement.