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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a global icon and beloved Bollywood actress, has unexpectedly found herself at the center of controversy. A promotional poster for her upcoming film Guzaarish, showing her smoking a cigarette next to co-star Hrithik Roshan, has sparked public outrage—particularly from the medical community.
The image, part of the film’s marketing campaign, is being displayed across Mumbai on public buses. This depiction of smoking has drawn heavy criticism, with doctors and health advocates expressing concern over its potential impact on youth.
Read more in our Bollywood News section for updates on your favorite stars.
Doctors Protest Smoking Scene in Guzaarish Promotions
Leading the charge is Doctors For You (DFY), a health-based NGO that has condemned the visuals, arguing that they glamorize tobacco use. The group plans to protest by wearing black badges on November 19, the release date of Guzaarish. They’ve also requested the filmmakers to remove all posters featuring the smoking scene.
The concern? That this scene could influence young minds and promote smoking as fashionable, especially when portrayed by a role model like Aishwarya Rai.
Learn more about the health risks of smoking from the CDC.
See how Doctors For You promotes public health awareness in India.
Aishwarya Rai’s Influence and Public Image
Aishwarya Rai has long been celebrated not just for her beauty but for her poise and public image. Known for being non-controversial, the visual of her smoking clashes with the values many fans associate with her. Her influence spans generations, making the impact of such promotional content even more significant.
Explore our feature on Bollywood’s most influential women.
A Call for Responsibility in Bollywood
This isn’t the first time Bollywood has been criticized for glamorizing unhealthy behavior. With tobacco still a major public health concern in India, many believe it’s time for filmmakers to act more responsibly.
Health experts emphasize that celebrity behavior in media matters, particularly when it comes to visual platforms like film and outdoor advertising. Organizations are calling for stronger regulations around tobacco use in promotional content.
For more on how pop culture affects public health, read this WHO article on tobacco and youth.
Final Thoughts
As Guzaarish gears up for release, the spotlight is now not just on the film but on the broader issue of celebrity influence and public accountability. Will the controversial smoking posters be removed? Will Aishwarya Rai or the filmmakers respond?
Stay tuned to UrbanAsian.com for the latest on this developing story.
