A few days back our health minister A Ramadoss publicly appealed to Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to refrain from smoking on screen. Shahrukh retaliated by saying that it's within the creative liberty of actors whether they want to smoke on screen or not. Also, he feels that no one should personally tell him what to do and what not to do; he is mature enough to distinguish right from wrong himself.
Shahrukh Khan is right when he says that the government should not impose any restrictions on the creative liberty of actors. But being one of the most recognized faces in India, someone who is completely idolized by the youth of our nation, it does become his responsibility to lead them on the right path. What Shahrukh does on screen becomes a huge fashion statement- be it his costumes or the accessories he wears. When Shahrukh is shown smoking a cigarette as a way of life our youth does get influenced into doing it, whether Shahrukh Khan accepts it or not. Be it in Swades or in Don, the immense charisma attached with Shahrukh's persona does impart a lot of charm to smoking. It might be very tough for Shahrukh Khan but it does seem that for the sake of the youth of India he needs to abstain from public smoking at least.
With success comes a lot of responsibilities, and Shahrukh Khan has never been one to shy away from challenges. We hope he understands his social responsibility in this regard and helps our youth in overcoming the menace of smoking. Also, if our health minister is so concerned about the health of the youth shouldn't he ban smoking altogether rather than make passing remarks on Shahrukh and Amitabh? A simple increase in cost of tobacco is enough to push the youth away from smoking. May be the minister needs to look into his own den before pointing fingers at others.
by Animesh Raj
well, i guess bad habits do not need any inspiration. if a person has to go wrong way,he will go anyway. What matters here is his rationality,his values which were imbibed in him while he was growing.and hello, is anybody getting inspired by the hard work which celebrities put in to acquire the status they have now? but good animesh, you ve brought up good point!
well you have taken very important issue.its true that shahrukh khan is role model so its his responsibility and ministers are also responsible.but i think todays youth are smart enough they know very well what they are doing.i think banning of such things in democratic country is not right solution.people should think themselves,what is right for them n what not.
hahaha, why doesn”t gov ban these things?? why does the media click photos of them smoking??
very thoughtprovoking post u have done!!!!
hey nice post….
btw i wish to add something : india or rather indian ministers make a lot of money from taxes levied on cigarettes,alcohol,etc…so why will they ban it…instead they find an easier way to escape by banning smoking in movies…in this way they prove that they are very concerned abt public health and they even keep collecting hefty taxes on products……as for shahrukh if he doesnt smoke nothings gonna change coz maybe children wilkl draw inspiration from parents ,friends,relatives ….n wat abt the violence shown in movies??? dont children ape tht or they only ape smoking…y dont they ban violence in movies…???
neways indiaz not gonna change and nor will indianz until n unless r greedy ministers change…thts all i have to say
cheer!!..peace out for now…!!bye!!
The picture itself is so appealing! Thus I guess Shah Rukh should own up responsibility and stop smoking in public.
what else u can expect from a person who is dancing in marrige parties? do these people have any self esteem? how can they be expected to be a responsible idol?
nice post…. U correctly mentioned that clebrities have a social responsibility. leading personalities should need social responsiblities.I agree with u on that one!
Could not have said it better Animesh - I sometimes wonder whether stars take on the mantle of being God and say we do what we like to do who are you to tell me to do otherwise. Simple remedy would be to ban smoking in films. You are right -stars like SRK and Amitabh should take on the responsibility of educating the youth about what is good and what is bad . I do hope common sense prevails and SRK will step into the shoes of helping rather than otherwise. Take care :)))))))))))))))
Hey nice post…. It’’s true dat if responsibility increases with success…. And Shahrukh is a very responsible person so definately he will take care of it…… But u know what if the prises of tobacco will increase then also people will somehow manage their way to smoke…. But still there is hope…
Well… today’’s newspapers also said that SRK has resolved to quit and is already on the way to kick this habit. We all know that the Helath Minister gave that advise with a good intention, but sucess goes to the head after sometimes… maybe that’’s y SRK retaliated in that manner.
As for raising the cost of tobacco, every the budget has this one thing that is dead certain_ the increase in the prices of tobacco. But that does not stop the youth becoz they r addicted to the habit. After all what is an increase of 25 paise per cigerrete?
I think intensive awareness about the hazards of smoking might help.(?)
Good post! U correctly mentioned that clebrities have a social responsibility. I agree with u on that one!
As per my perspective srk n ambu both r right. but more than that it is an choice of the individual to try n practise what is unhealthy……. “gadhon ke samne GITA padhake koi fayda nahi hota” my one friend ( a chain smoker) said, ” It’’s easy to quit smoking. I”ve done it hundreds of times.”