World No Tobacco Day: Indian Celebs who refused lucrative offers to endorse tobacco products

PTI, May 31, 2024, 11:14 AM IST

World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31st. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, this day aims to raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Each year, it focuses on a specific theme related to tobacco control and encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action against the tobacco epidemic.

Why do youngsters get hooked on tobacco?:

• Peer Pressure: Adolescents get easily influenced by their peers. If their friends or social group use tobacco, they are more likely to try it to fit in or be accepted.
• Family Influence: Young people who have family members, particularly parents or siblings, who use tobacco are more likely to start using it themselves. This can be due to both genetic predispositions and modeling behavior.
• Advertising and Media: Tobacco companies often target younger audiences through advertisements, sponsorships, and product placements in movies and TV shows. This glamorizes smoking and makes it seem appealing.
• Curiosity and Experimentation: Adolescence is a time of exploration and experimentation. Many young people try tobacco out of curiosity or the desire to experiment with new experiences.
• Stress and Emotional Coping: Some youngsters use tobacco as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues. The perceived calming effects of nicotine can make tobacco use appealing.
• Misconceptions about Risks: Young people often underestimate the health risks associated with tobacco use. They might believe they can quit at any time or won’t experience the harmful effects.
• Biological Factors: Nicotine is highly addictive, and younger brains are more susceptible to addiction. The earlier someone starts using tobacco, the more likely they are to develop a dependency.
• Rebellion and Independence: Using tobacco can be seen as a form of rebellion against authority figures or as a way to assert independence. This can be particularly appealing during the teenage years.
• Lack of Awareness and Education: Inadequate education about the dangers of tobacco use can lead to its initiation. If young people are not fully informed about the risks, they might not see the harm in trying tobacco.

Notably a few celebrities use their influence to set a positive example, contributing to public health efforts by refusing to promote tobacco products.

Indian Celebrities Who Refused Tobacco Ads:

Amitabh Bachchan: The legendary Bollywood actor has been vocal about the harms of tobacco and has refused lucrative offers to endorse tobacco products.

Aamir Khan: Known for his principled stands, Aamir Khan has consistently refused to promote tobacco and other harmful products, aligning his public image with social causes.

Ranbir Kapoor: Despite being offered significant sums, Ranbir Kapoor has turned down tobacco endorsements, citing the negative impact on his fans and young followers.

Sachin Tendulkar: The cricket icon has been an advocate for healthy living and has declined tobacco endorsements, reinforcing his commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle.