RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal Urges Government to Strip Top Actors of National Awards Over Pan Masala Ads

Beniwal argued that such endorsements undermine the purpose and dignity of the awards conferred by the state, asserting that artists who accept national honours should uphold a higher standard of public responsibility. According to him, the participation of decorated actors in advertising tobacco-linked products sends a damaging message, particularly to impressionable audiences.

The MP urged the government to intervene, insisting that decisive action was necessary to reinforce accountability among public figures. His remarks have added fresh intensity to the ongoing debate surrounding celebrity endorsements of harmful products, a subject that has repeatedly surfaced within public health circles and regulatory discussions.

With calls for stronger oversight growing louder, Beniwal’s demand is likely to widen the conversation on whether national recognition should come with enforceable expectations related to public conduct. The issue now sits at the intersection of governance, celebrity influence and consumer protection, placing renewed pressure on authorities to evaluate how such endorsements align with national interests.