A Mumbai-based public health institute has lauded Aamir Khan Production Pvt Ltd for the actor's anti-smoking scene in the latest blockbuster, Ghajini.
Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health sent a letter of appreciation to Aamir Khan Productions Pvt Ltd applauding him for the scene in his latest blockbuster hit Ghajini. The latest Amir Khan flick has shown a gang of hooligans smoking in a mall which is objected to by the actress.
"The scene promoting the fact that smoking is banned in public places highlights the team's sensitivity in correctly portraying smoking in public as an unlawful activity, especially since most producers and directors tend to glamorize the act of smoking and some of them defend it as creative freedom," said Dr P C Gupta, Director, Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Mumbai.
"When a celebrity smokes publicly or in a movie as a character, he or she not only violates the law but also influences the fans to start consuming tobacco. The research shows 52 per cent children have their first puff of cigarette after watching a celebrity light up," he said.
"Hence we appreciate and thank Murugadoss, the Director of Ghajini and Aamir Khan for highlighting such an important fact even though we certainly do not favor any violence against smokers," Gupta said.
"We recognise that just as non-smokers are victims of exposure to second-hand smoke from smoker, smokers are victims of tobacco industry and they require assistance in quitting their tobacco addiction," he added.
{{/usCountry}}"We recognise that just as non-smokers are victims of exposure to second-hand smoke from smoker, smokers are victims of tobacco industry and they require assistance in quitting their tobacco addiction," he added.
{{/usCountry}}Gupta said that the public health organisations have been actively advocating for stronger implementation of such progressive bans in the country by creating awareness regarding the effectiveness of such laws.