‘I endorsed cardamom, not gutkha’: Salman Khan responds to Kota pan masala complaint

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has issued a clarification in the ongoing pan masala advertisement controversy, asserting in court that he endorsed silver-coated cardamom and “not gutkha.” The actor submitted a detailed response before the Kota Consumer Court and requested verification of the signatures submitted in the reply.

The case arose from a complaint filed against Khan over an alleged misleading advertisement for Rajshree Pan Masala. Representing the actor, advocate Ashish Dubey stated that the Consumer Commission lacks jurisdiction in the matter, emphasising that Khan is neither a manufacturer nor a service provider for pan masala. Dubey argued that involving the actor in the case constitutes legal overreach and unnecessary harassment.

Dubey clarified that Khan did not advertise gutkha or pan masala but only silver-coated cardamom, which does not fall under the pan masala category, weakening the basis of the complaint. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 9 December 2025.

Complainant Pradeep Instructor Singh Hani has challenged the response, claiming the signatures may not be genuine and requesting the court to verify them and summon Khan personally.

The controversy traces back to an advertisement promoting “saffron-coated cardamom” and “saffron-coated pan masala.” Kota BJP leader Inder Mohan Singh Honey had alleged that the advertisement was misleading, as real saffron could not be used in a Rs 5 pouch. He expressed concern that such advertisements encourage young people to consume pan masala and tobacco products, which have serious health risks. Honey emphasised that celebrities serve as role models and should not promote products linked to mouth cancer or other health hazards.

The court had acknowledged these concerns and issued notices to Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala, and proceedings continue.