Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has received a notice from a consumer court in Kota, Rajasthan. The legal action pertains to a pan masala advertisement he endorsed. The complaint alleges that the advertisement is misleading to consumers.
The notice was issued by the consumer court following a complaint filed by Inder Mohan Singh Honey. Honey is a senior advocate and political leader in Rajasthan.
The complaint specifically targets the brand’s claim of offering saffron-infused cardamom or saffron-mixed pan masala. Petitioner Honey argues this claim is false. Genuine saffron costs approximately 400,000 Indian Rupees per kilogram, which is around $4,800 USD.
He states that such an expensive ingredient cannot possibly be present in a five-rupee pouch, equivalent to about $0.06 USD. These deceptive claims, he alleges, mislead young people and send an incorrect message to society.
The Kota Consumer Court has taken cognizance of the complaint and issued notices to both Salman Khan and the advertising company. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for November 27, 2025.
Speaking to ANI, Inder Mohan Singh Honey emphasized Salman Khan’s influential status. He noted that millions consider Khan an idol, trusting products he promotes without reservation.
Honey drew a contrast with global practices, where many prominent film stars avoid endorsing even cold drinks. He urged Indian celebrities to refrain from advertising products considered harmful, like pan masala, to avoid misleading the youth.
Salman Khan has not yet issued an official statement regarding the controversy, nor has the pan masala company. The actor is currently busy filming his new movie, “Battle of Galwan,” directed by Apoorva Lakhia. He also hosts the television show “Bigg Boss 19” on weekends.
This incident is not an isolated one for Bollywood stars. Previously, actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgan have faced criticism for their involvement in advertisements for tobacco or pan masala products. Khan’s inclusion in this list reignites the debate surrounding celebrity endorsements of potentially harmful goods.