‘Before Ramayan serial I was a chain smoker...’: Arun Govil's personal testimony fuels Lok Sabha debate on Tobacco Tax Bill | VIDEO

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed an intense debate on the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to overhaul the tax structure on tobacco products in India, when BJP MP and actor Arun Govil took centre stage by recalling his personal transformation and speaking strongly in favour of the bill.

Govil, widely known for portraying Lord Ram in the iconic TV serial 'Ramayan', said he supports the government’s move to revise excise duties on cigarettes, cigars, gutka, chewing tobacco, hookah, zarda and scented tobacco as part of efforts to curb tobacco addiction nationwide.

“I stand here in support of this bill because I have been tobacco-free for 50 years. Before 'Ramayan', I used to be a chain smoker. I chewed gutka all day. The day 'Ramayan' came into my life, I gave it all up, and since then I have been tobacco-free,” said the Meerut–Hapur MP, drawing attention across the House.

Govil stressed that increasing excise duty on tobacco products is essential for public health, disease prevention and protecting Indian youth from addiction.

“Tobacco consumption is not just a habit; it is a serious problem. It causes life-threatening diseases like cancer. This legislation will strengthen health security, reduce tobacco consumption and keep the younger generation away from addiction,” he said, adding that the revised tax system would also boost government revenue while raising health awareness across society.

Bill aims to replace the GST compensation cess

The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to replace the current GST compensation cess on tobacco-related items with a restructured excise mechanism, marking a major step in the government’s long-term plan to control tobacco consumption and reduce tobacco-related diseases in India.