In a resurfaced interview, Shah Rukh Khan had unapologetically argued that if the government believes certain products are harmful, it should ban their production entirely instead of blaming actors for advertising them.

The renewed attention follows remarks from a well-known influencer who questioned why the actor continues to endorse paan masala brands despite being declared India’s richest actor, with a net worth of Rs 12,400 crore, according to the Hurun India Rich List 2025.

The influencer suggested that Khan’s massive wealth should be more than enough to sustain his lifestyle without promoting products seen as harmful. The discussion quickly went viral, reigniting a broader debate about celebrity ethics and responsibility in advertising.

Fans and social media users revisited Shah Rukh Khan’s earlier comments, where he said, “If you think soft drinks are bad, don’t allow them to be made. My logic is — you’re not stopping them because they bring in revenue. Then don’t stop my revenue. I’m an actor. I’m supposed to do a job and earn from it.”

The old interview clip was originally recorded when Khan was questioned about celebrity endorsements of soft drinks, following public statements from health authorities urging stars to avoid promoting unhealthy products. Khan defended his professional choices, saying the accountability lies with policymakers, not actors.

He argued that as long as products such as cigarettes or soft drinks remain legally available, actors cannot be singled out for endorsing them. “You’re not stopping them because they bring in revenue... Then don’t stop my revenue,” he had said.

The resurfaced clip has revived a long-standing debate about the ethics of celebrity endorsements. While many agree that influential figures like Shah Rukh Khan should be mindful of the messages their advertisements send, others maintain that government regulation, not celebrity restraint, should determine what is promoted.

The controversy comes shortly after Shah Rukh Khan was officially named India’s richest actor, topping the Hurun India Rich List 2025 with an estimated net worth of Rs 12,400 crore.