No butts as anti-smoking minister targets Bollywood star

The Indian government's campaign to curb smoking has spilled over into a very public spat between a crusading minister and Bollywood's reigning superstar.

From yesterday, a new law bans smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants. In his zeal to wean smokers off the habit - which kills more people in India than in any other country - Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has targeted chain-smoking actor Shah Rukh Khan.

'The clash between the politician and the film hero throws a spotlight on the landmark Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008, which empowers state-appointed watchdogs for the first time to slap fines ranging from 200 to 1,000 rupees (HK$32 to HK$160) for lighting up virtually anywhere except parks, roads and homes,' said columnist Rajat Roy.

'Khan is known for his addiction to cigarettes in real life as well as smoking scenes in many a super-hit film. So targeting one of India's most high-profile smokers makes a lot of sense.'

Mr Ramadoss has ordered a non-governmental organisation in Mumbai to bombard the actor's palatial house daily with pamphlets highlighting the effects of cigarettes. The minister has also instructed the NGO to flood the actor's wife and son with letters and e-mails warning them about the threat nicotine poses to his health.

'Shah Rukh must stop smoking both on and off screen because our studies show that popular actors and actresses exercise a big influence on teenagers and youths of both sexes. He is a role model for the young generation, which is increasingly getting addicted to cigarettes. I expect him to kick the habit for the sake of the country,' says Mr Ramadoss who boasts that he is waging a war against smoking.