Image Source: X/ Dhruv Rathee
YouTuber Dhruv Rathee questioned publicly Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for endorsing a paan masala brand, even when he is among the richest celebrities in the world. In a video posted on X (previously Twitter), Rathee talked about Khan's enormous riches, his extravagant way of life, and the social obligation of being an endorser.
As estimated by various media, Shah Rukh Khan's net worth stands at around $1.4 billion about ₹12,400 crore placing him among the richest actors in the world.
He remarked, "Shah Rukh Khan ab ek billionaire ban chuke hai. Sahi suna aapne! News reports ke anusar, unki net worth $1.4 billion pohach chuki hai. Rupiyo mein kaha jaaye toh kareeb Rs. 12,400 crore hota hai.". Jaante ho kitna paisa hai yeh? Isko imagine kar pana bhi mushkil hai.
Rathee said that even if SRK had invested all his money in a bank, the interest would be increasing. Adding his expensive lifestyle, including luxury houses, private airplanes, and overseas holidays, the actor would still have plenty of disposable income.
Towards the end of the video, Rathee posed an ethical question regarding SRK promoting a paan masala brand.
He said, "Mera Shah Rukh Khan se sawaal yeh hai, kya itne paise kaafi nahi hai kya? Agar kaafi hai toh kya majburi padi ke paan masala jaisi haani kaarak chiz ko aap abhi bhi promote kar rahe ho?"
He continued to speak that celebrity power also brings with it a sense of responsibility, and cutting down on promotions of harmful products could be beneficial to society.
Describing reports from 2014 regarding Khan's endorsement fee from the brand, Rathee indicated that the fee would have increased substantially since then. He further said, "Sawaal yeh hai ke kya aapko yeh extra Rs. 100-200 crore ki sahi mein zarurat bhi hai? Apni andar jhaak kar honestly yeh sawaal pucho. Kya kijiyega itni dhan raashi ka? Aur dusri taraf sochkar dekho, desh ka top actor agar yeh haani kaarak chize promote karna bandh kar dega, toh kya impact padega iska desh par?"
Rathee ended the video by asking people to share the message, stating, "Agar aap bhi agree karte ho doston toh iss video ko zaroor share karna taaki Shah Rukh Khan tak pohche." The video got widely shared and soon turned viral, with opinions about celebrity responsibility and the morality of selling products that would adversely affect public health.
The incident points towards increasing pressure on Indian celebrities for the products they endorse. Public icons such as Shah Rukh Khan have a huge following, and their endorsement of dangerous products such as paan masala can have long-term effects. People believe that stars should think about the social implications of their endorsements instead of just looking at the money.
