Social media lists the top 10 states in India that consume the most gakka/panmasala, and videos are viral.
According to Video Uttar Pradesh (19.2%), Madhya Pradesh (19.2%), Odisha (23.2%), Arunachal Pradesh (29%) and Nagaland (30%) are among the top consumers of Gakka/Panmasala.
The source of the video is unconfirmed and the data may not be completely accurate, but the issue of tobacco addiction remains serious.
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According to the Global Adult Cigarette Survey (GATS) 2016–17, approximately 12.1% of India’s adult population consumes Paan Masala (with or without cigarettes).
Social media people have long debated how actors, especially superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn, have been promoted over the years. Even during IPL, Pan Masala ads play repeatedly during almost every commercial break.
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Recently, a line has occurred on social media. If Gutkha’s consumption is already very widespread, is it fair to accuse him of promoting the actor? Or is it just an anti-Bollywood scam?
Do people with addiction simply have to call out stars who support the product?
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The answer can be summed up in a nutshell: mass appeal. Whether it’s fair or not to hold actors accountable, there’s no denying that they have a huge influence. Even if they don’t take responsibility for people who are already addicted, they could affect new consumers.
Bollywood sets trends, whether it’s fashion or in this case a gakka.
Play Akshay Kumar’s pad recognition ads in theatre before the movie. It helped shape the conversation around menstruation and break the taboos.
Therefore, to blame the stars for promoting Gutkha is not moral policing, but recognition of the power they behave.
Getting rid of addiction is not as easy as “stop buying it.” However, actors with large appeal have the option to promote gakka or promote pads. Their decisions can shape public behavior, for better or worse.
