Letters-5: On Smoking

1. Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss’ appeal to cinema stars to quit smoking on screen is well meaning and in the interest of society. Superstars and cricket players have a huge fan following, especially among the most impressionable group – the youth. The power of the visual media being what it is, their actions are bound to have a tremendous impact on young minds. These multi-millionaires should have a sense of gratitude. They should pay back to society from which they have got so much. (K.N.Krishnan, Bangalore – Letter to the Editor, The Hindu, February 4, 2008)

2. Acting falls in the public domain and actors cannot claim unlimited freedom as a matter of right. In a film-crazy and hero-worshipping nation like ours, cine stars should maintain a socially correct and upright image at least in public. Let our stars study the life and career of M.G.Ramachandran who is still remembered for his films which resonated with socially progressive themes. (V.N.Mukundarajan, Thiruvananthapuram – Letter to the Editor, The Hindu, February 4, 2008)

3. There many youngsters who look up to Sharukh Khan and others as heroes. Everyone knows smoking is bad for health and addictive. Should not they behave in a manner that has a good influence on the people? (D.Arpana, Coonoor – Letter to The Hindu, Feb.4, 2008)

Thanks to the individuals and The Hindu