Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued show-cause notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their alleged involvement in the promotion of Vimal-branded products.
According to PTI, the FDA sent the notices on August 11, asking the three actors to submit their responses and explanations within 15 days.
FDA alleges indirect promotion of banned pan masala
The regulator has alleged that the ‘Vimal Elaichi’ advertisement indirectly promotes Vimal pan masala, which is banned in Maharashtra.
The FDA said the use of the Vimal brand name, product references and dialogue in the advertisement appeared to promote the brand associated with pan masala. The regulator has therefore sought clarification from the actors regarding their role in the advertisement.
The notices were reportedly sent to Shah Rukh Khan at his Bandra residence, Mannat, Ajay Devgn at his Juhu residence and Tiger Shroff at the address of his production company.
Maharashtra’s ban on gutka and pan masala
Maharashtra has prohibited products containing tobacco or nicotine, including gutka and pan masala, since 2012. The ban is renewed periodically and was extended on July 13, 2026, for another year.
The restrictions prohibit the manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of such products in the state.
The FDA has also directed officials to coordinate with police and take strict action against organised gutka and tobacco networks under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
