India

Vimal Ad Controversy Deepens as FDA Reviews Actors’ Replies

Published: 4 September 2026 · 1 min read

What Happened

Actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have submitted their responses to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over notices issued in connection with the Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The regulator is still awaiting a response from Shah Rukh Khan. The FDA had earlier issued show-cause notices alleging that the ad could amount to surrogate advertising for Vimal Pan Masala, a product prohibited in Maharashtra.

Key Takeaways

The case has become a high-profile test of India's crackdown on surrogate advertising, especially involving celebrity endorsements. The FDA is examining whether the promotion of Vimal Elaichi indirectly advertises the Vimal Pan Masala brand and will decide on further action after reviewing the responses received.

Sources

News18, India Today