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The contents of Ajay and Tiger’s responses have not been made public so far. The actors have also not issued public statements regarding the matter.
FDA raises surrogate advertising concerns
The controversy centres on whether the Vimal Elaichi advertisement could amount to surrogate promotion of Vimal Pan Masala, which has been prohibited in Maharashtra.
The FDA notice stated, “Upon examination of the said advertisement, it prima facie appears that the advertisement promotes the Vimal brand, which is mainly associated with Pan Masala.”
The regulator further pointed out that pan masala had been prohibited in Maharashtra for one year under a prohibition order dated July 13, 2026. The FDA questioned whether promoting Vimal Elaichi could indirectly create visibility for the restricted pan masala product.
Notices served to three Bollywood stars
The notices were reportedly served to the three actors through different channels. Ajay Devgn received his notice at his Juhu residence, while Shah Rukh Khan was served at Mannat in Bandra. Tiger Shroff received the notice through his production company, Tiger Shroff Productions LLP.
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The FDA’s action has reignited the wider debate around celebrity endorsements and surrogate advertising, particularly when prominent actors promote brands associated with products restricted by law.
Shah Rukh Khan’s response awaited
With Devgn and Shroff having submitted their replies, attention has now shifted to Shah Rukh Khan. According to CNN-News18, the FDA is still awaiting his response.