Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has taken a sharp jibe at Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn for promoting a tobacco brand under the guise of Kesar. Speaking at the NDTV Yuva Enclave, Mundhe asked whether the actors would allow their own children to consume such products.

Speaking on NDTV Yuva Enclave, Tukaram Mundhe questioned the actors by saying

“If you’re advertising something as good, start with yourself. Let the advertiser consume the product. Why ask others to follow? Start with your own family. If you’re advertising pan masala or gutka, you should be willing to consume it yourself—and let your children develop the same habit. If you claim it contains cashews, you should want to eat it. Let your family eat it too. Then ask others to follow. Why do it the other way around?” Mundhe said, taking a strong jibe at Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn, who are often seen in the marketing of the controversial product.

Mundhe Challenges the Actors’ Livelihood Argument

If I remember correctly, there was an interview when actor Shah Rukh Khan was asked why he promotes such a product, to which the actor responded that the government should ban the product in the first place. And if the government doesn’t ban it, then actors shouldn’t be questioned for promoting it, as it is their livelihood.

Talking further in the NDTV Yuva Enclave, Tukaram Mundhe questioned the actors’ argument of earning their livelihood through such products.

“If you’re an influencer, you have a greater responsibility—not immunity. Everyone is equal, but being an actor, actress, influencer, or other public figure does not excuse you from responsibility. You can’t say, “I’m only advertising; responsibility belongs to the producer.” The producer is responsible too. As I said in the notice we issued, production is also prohibited. The item is banned. It may be produced outside Maharashtra, but the advertisement is reaching people here.” said Mundhe

Maharashtra FDA Steps Up Food and Drug Crackdown Under Tukaram Mundhe

As of September 29, 2026, Maharashtra’s FDA has acted strongly enforced food and drug enforcement under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.

In a September 23–27 festive-season drive, they have seized 50.6 tonnes of food worth ₹1.19 crore, suspended 30 food-business licences, registered 22 FIRs and reported 30 arrests.

Mumbai’s Kyani & Co. had its licence suspended after inspectors reported serious hygiene and storage problems. From June to August, the FDA also inspected 2,902 drug establishments, acted against 880 and seized medicines and cosmetics worth ₹11.41 crore. It collected 37,604 samples; 15,268 tested samples reportedly failed prescribed standards.