‘Smoking is not cool’ …celebrities chorus as they reflect on tobacco’s toxic image

As the world observes Anti-Tobacco Day today, voices from the entertainment industry call out the long-standing glamourisation of smoking in films and television. While some actors acknowledge that the narrative demands of portraying characters who smoke, many are drawing a clear line between performance and personal conviction. In a candid conversation about influence and responsibility, celebs open up about their discomfort with on-screen smoking, the rise of tobacco as a misguided symbol of rebellion and the urgent need for stronger social messaging.Healthier ways to copeKunal SharmaSmoking has sadly become a social bonding tool, especially in today’s stressful world where people seek quick relief. But there are healthier ways to cope. As actors, we sometimes play characters who smoke. I do what a role demands but never let it become a habit. There’s a fine line between acting and reality — knowing that line is key to personal and professional balance. As public figures, we must be mindful of the messages we send out.Wrongly linked to rebellionSavi ThakurSmoking is considered ‘cool’ or ‘rebellious’, especially among the youth. This is a dangerous trend, influenced by what people see in films and web series. While creative freedom is important, we also need to be aware of the impact such visuals can have. I have my own reservations about doing smoking scenes unless there is a very strong reason in the story. Public figures have a big responsibility as our choices may influence many.It’s not cool. It’s cancerRomiit Raaj I’m against smoking. It’s not at all cool to smoke — just because characters in films played by our favourite actors smoke doesn’t mean it’s macho or admirable to smoke. We need to filter what we absorb from films. I wish the government would ban cigarettes.Why does it seem cool?Deepak Paramesh I’ve come across people who smoke just to look cool. But why do it if you’re not interested? It’s easy to say, ‘No, I don’t smoke’ and still be part of a conversation. Nothing much seems to have changed when it comes to smoking in public. Sure, there are rules, but ultimately, people need to take responsibility and respect others’ space. As a non-smoker, I’m not comfortable with smoking on screen. I do my best to avoid it whenever possible, but sometimes, if it’s essential to the character, there’s no way around it.Being a role model mattersSheel VermaSmoking is seen as something cool or bold, especially among youth. But that’s a wrong idea. As an actor, I respect the story and the character. If I ever have to perform a smoking scene, I’ll feel uncomfortable doing it. I believe such scenes should be handled with care. Public figures have a strong influence, especially on the youth, so we need to be responsible about what we portray.No silent acceptanceShubhangi Atre Yes, I think most people smoke just because they feel it’s trendy. It’s not ‘cool’. Earlier, smoking used to be more private, but now it’s very public — you see it everywhere, even on public transport and film sets. As actors, if we’re playing a character dealing with addiction, it sometimes becomes necessary for the role. Every character has certain nuances and emotions. So, if smoking is part of the character, I’ll do it. But yes, smoking is injurious to health, and that’s why those statutory warnings are always displayed.Lead by example, not smokeMuskaan AgarwalUnfortunately, smoking has become a trend because some people want to appear ‘cool’ or fit in socially. I feel it’s more about peer pressure and perception than actual choice. Many don’t even enjoy it — they just want to be accepted. As an actor, I understand sometimes smoking is part of a character. If it’s essential for the role and justified in the story, I’m okay doing such scenes. But personally, I’m very conscious about not glorifying it.We need innovative deterrentsSaanand VermaSmoking has become a trend and the more anti-smoking campaigns we run, the more smoking seems to increase. It’s sad people think smoking cigarettes is cool. With globalisation, Western influence has grown significantly and that’s why many people are openly smoking. On screen, it’s often the demand of the character and if I play that character, then I fulfil those demands. We have created a lot of awareness, but it has had little effect on people’s attitudes.

‘Smoking is not cool’ …celebrities chorus as they reflect on tobacco’s toxic image

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