Bollywood stars urged to remove surrogate advertisements amid Maharashtra food safety crackdown

Monday 17 August 2026 - 11:15

By: Sahili Aya

Bollywood stars urged to remove surrogate advertisements amid Maharashtra food safety crackdown

Three leading Bollywood actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, have been asked by authorities in India’s Maharashtra state to stop appearing in surrogate advertisements linked to a brand associated with a banned betel nut product. The warning comes as the state launches a wider food safety campaign targeting hygiene violations and regulatory breaches.

Actors warned over promotional campaigns

Maharashtra’s food safety authorities have instructed the actors to remove related promotional content from their social media platforms and discontinue their involvement in the advertisements.

The campaigns under scrutiny promote a brand widely associated with a product category that includes banned betel nut items. Authorities argue that such advertising practices may bypass restrictions placed on certain products by using alternative branding strategies.

The notice affects three major Bollywood figures, with Shah Rukh Khan among those named in the warning.

Broader food safety campaign underway

The action against celebrity endorsements is part of a larger enforcement drive led by Maharashtra’s food safety department. The state, home to Mumbai and India’s Hindi film industry, has recently increased inspections of restaurants, warehouses and food businesses.

The new food safety leadership has taken measures against establishments accused of failing to meet hygiene requirements, including suspending licences and ordering closures.

The campaign has gained significant attention online as authorities target both local businesses and major international brands operating in the state.

Increased scrutiny of food industry standards

Recent inspections have affected a range of food outlets, including some branches of major restaurant chains and distribution facilities operated by large grocery companies.

Officials say the measures are aimed at improving public health standards and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

The crackdown reflects growing concerns over hygiene practices in India’s rapidly expanding food and retail sectors.

Celebrity advertising faces renewed debate

The involvement of Bollywood stars has added a high-profile dimension to the regulatory campaign. Celebrity endorsements remain a powerful marketing tool in India, where actors often influence consumer choices across multiple industries.

However, authorities and consumer advocates have increasingly called for greater accountability from public figures promoting products that may face legal or health-related restrictions.

The Maharashtra initiative could intensify scrutiny of surrogate advertising practices and the responsibilities of celebrities in commercial campaigns.