By Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SP)
 
Panaji, Jan 7: A Mumbai-based public health institute has lauded Aamir Khan Production Pvt Ltd for the anti-smoking scene depicted in its latest Hindi blockbuster, `Ghajni.'
 
Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health sent a letter of appreciation to Aamir Khan Productions Pvt Ltd, applauding the firm for the scene in its latest blockbuster, 'Ghajini'.
 
The latest Amir Khan flick shows a gang of hooligans smoking in a mall, which is then objected to by an actress.
 
"The scene promoting the fact that smoking is banned in public places highlights the team's sensitivity in correctly portraying smoking in public as an unlawful activity, especially since most producers and directors tend to glamorize the act of smoking and some of them defend it as creative freedom," said Dr P C Gupta, Director, Healis – Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Mumbai.
 
 "When a celebrity smokes publicly or in a movie as a character, he or she not only violates the law but also influences the fans to start consuming tobacco. The research shows 52 per cent children have their first puff of cigarette after watching a celebrity light up," he said.
 
"Hence, we appreciate and thank Murugadoss, director of Ghajini and Aamir Khan for highlighting such an important fact even though we certainly do not favour any violence against smokers. We recognize that just as non-smokers are victims of exposure to secondary smoke from the smokers, smokers too are victims of tobacco industry and they require assistance in quitting their tobacco addiction," he added.
 
Gupta said that the public health organizations have been actively advocating for stronger and effective implementation of such progressive bans in the country by creating awareness regarding the effectiveness of such laws.