On World No Tobacco Day, actor Saanand Verma shares a powerful message on the dangers of smoking and the need for change.

Actor Saanand Verma, best known for his eccentric and beloved portrayal of Saxena Ji in the hit comedy series Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain, has never shied away from speaking his mind. On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the Vijay 69, Pataakha, and Babli Bouncer actor took a firm stand against smoking and the tobacco culture that continues to grip society—especially the younger generation.

“There’s nothing purely ‘social’ or harmless about smoking,” Saanand states. “These things are chemical-based. If smoke is going into your body, it’s harming you. People need to understand this and start reflecting on it seriously—on a personal level.”

In an age where smoking is often glamorized in films, advertisements, and even social circles, Saanand calls for a deeper level of responsibility—especially from public figures. “If someone smokes, they should first work on themselves. Don’t just preach—change yourself first. Like Nana Patekar, who used to smoke a lot but quit overnight. That’s the power of will. It is possible.”

He emphasizes that celebrities must stop promoting harmful products, especially gutka and similar substances, often disguised under benign names like “elaichi” in advertisements. “The worst thing is when influential people endorse these products for money. We need to stop that first.”

Saanand doesn’t hold back when talking about the broader systemic issues either. “Let’s be honest—when harmful things continue unchecked, corruption is usually behind it. Regulatory bodies often turn a blind eye. That’s a major problem in India.”

Though the actor acknowledges the presence of awareness campaigns, he feels they haven’t created the level of impact needed to curb tobacco addiction. “We’ve made great campaigns, sure—but are people really changing? I don’t see it. The tobacco industry is still booming. Hookah bars are considered ‘cool’ spots by the youth today, and that’s alarming.”

Reflecting on how deep-rooted the smoking culture is, Saanand shares a personal memory. “My grandmother used to smoke hookah. This has been going on for generations. It’s not new. Cigarette ads were normal back in the day. These habits are deeply entrenched in our culture—it’s extremely difficult to undo them.”

On-screen, Saanand makes it clear that he draws a line between character and personal beliefs. “If the role demands it, I smoke on screen—it’s part of my job. I’m playing a character. But in real life, I don’t promote or support it in any way.”

He also criticizes the western influence on Indian youth. “Globalization has blurred a lot of cultural boundaries. Unfortunately, that includes the normalization of public smoking. You see people standing around smoking openly—it’s sad. It’s become a trend to be part of the ‘cool crowd’.”

In closing, Saanand leaves no doubt about his stance: “People think smoking makes them look cool—it doesn’t. It’s poison. And freeing ourselves from this poison is not just necessary—it’s urgent.”

On this World No Tobacco Day, Saanand Verma’s message is loud, clear, and unapologetically honest—a call for awareness, action, and above all, accountability.