Post by : Meena Ariff

A consumer forum in Kota, Rajasthan has sent a formal notice to Bollywood star Salman Khan after a petition accused advertising linked to a pan masala product he represents of making deceptive claims.

Salman Khan is the brand ambassador for Rajshree, a company that markets elaichi and pan masala. The complaint, lodged by senior lawyer and political figure Inder Mohan Singh Honey, alleges the ads promoted the product as “saffron-infused cardamom” and “saffron-infused pan masala,” assertions the petitioner says are implausible at a retail price of ₹5. Given saffron’s market rate—about ₹4 lakh per kilogram—the authenticity of those claims is questioned.

The petitioner contends that such misleading messaging could encourage younger consumers to use pan masala, a product linked to a high incidence of mouth cancer. He further argued that public figures, as role models, should avoid endorsing items that pose serious health hazards.

The Kota Consumer Court has issued notices seeking formal replies from Salman Khan and Rajshree’s manufacturer. The matter is next listed for hearing on 27 November, pending responses from the parties named in the notice.

Although Salman Khan is associated with Rajshree elaichi, he has not appeared in commercials for the brand’s pan masala. Still, the complaint maintains that the brand connection could influence consumer behaviour, particularly among the youth.

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