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· Teen Smoking/Youth
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non-USA, by Country
· India
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Jump to full article: The Times of India, 2009-06-04
Intro: Ever since Superstar Rajinikanth popped gum into his mouth in the superhit Chandramukhi, the chewing gum was considered by many as a politically correct move — and preferred over the supposedly classy cigarette that actors have flipped over and over again, with style and elan.
But, the new Health Minister has some good news that might, in future, show many on-screen characters in new light. And, literally so, as our actors have been given license to flip that cigarette —with Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad describing a blanket ban on smoking on-screen as “not practical”.
Kollywood has already started burning bright on hearing the news. Director P Vasu, who’s worked with Rajinikanth on films like Chandramukhi and Kuselan, is among those who are delighted. “As filmmakers, there are times when we need to show actors smoking and that just enhances their characterisation in the movie,” he defends.
In K-town, it is widely believed that the mannerisms of a star could influence a lot of youth to take up smoking. Actor Shaam, however, does not believe so. “It’s up to the individual,” he feels, “When I started smoking, I did not do so because my favourite actor did it on-screen.” The 12B star has almost given up the habit now, but opines that smoking portrays a powerful body language for his on-screen characters.
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