VIMAL ELAICHI OR SURROGATE PAN MASALA?

JAug 17, 2026

Why are Bollywood stars facing Maharashtra FDA heat?

What exactly happened?

Maharashtra FDA has issued show cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their Vimal Elaichi advertisement.

Why is Vimal Pan Masala in focus?

The FDA alleges that the campaign may indirectly  promote Vimal Pan Masala, which is prohibited in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra banned Vimal Pan Masala on July 13, 2026 for one year.

What does FDA want?

The actors have been asked to explain their role and discontinue and remove the promotional material.

Who is the man behind the  crackdown?

Meet Tukaram Mundhe The officer behind the crackdown 2005-batch IAS officer Took charge as Maharashtra FDA Commissioner  in May 2026

Maharashtra's  Singham

Known for his strict, no-nonsense approach and zero tolerance against corruption and violations.

FDA crackdown

Since taking charge, Mundhe has led intense crackdown on food adulteration and unsafe food practices across Maharashtra.

From food raids to Bollywood Ads

The FDA's action against the Vimal Elaichi ad shows that scrutiny now extends beyond food businesses to advertising and promotion of products linked to prohibited substances.

Why this matters?

Can a brand promote a seemingly permissible product while its branding is closely associated with a prohibited product?

Vimal Elaichi or Pan Masala1?

Maharashtra FDA's crackdown puts celebrity endorsements under the scanner.