Anti-Tobacco Day: Shubhangi Atre Opens Up On Smoking

On the occasion of Anti-Tobacco Day, which is observed on May 31, actress Shubhangi Atre, who is currently seen in Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain!, shared her thoughts on the growing culture of smoking and the challenges that come with trying to curb it. She believes that it continues to impact society despite growing awareness.

Shubhangi Atre Opens Up On Smoking

She pointed out how smoking, over the years, has transformed into something of a fashion statement and said, “I think more than half of the people follow it just because of fashion. It’s not actually cool, but people think it’s cool.”

She also mentioned how earlier people used to smoke in private spaces, but today, it’s become common to see it happening publicly, even in places like public transport or on shooting sets. “This should not happen because passive smoking is even more harmful,” she said, adding that even if someone has a habit, they should avoid doing it in public and find private spaces so that others are not affected. Speaking about her professional life, Shubhangi mentioned that she has no issue portraying a character who smokes on screen, as long as it’s essential to the story. “Sometimes, as an actor, if you’re playing a character who is indulging in some kind of addiction, then it becomes a demand of the role,” she said.

However, she stressed the importance of showing warnings on screen that smoking is injurious to health. When asked about whether these warnings are effective, she replied positively and said, “If you don’t show it, people may not even think about it. But when you’re constantly reminding people, it sticks in their minds.”

Shubhangi Acknowledges Govt ADs And Awareness Campaigns

She believes that while it may not stop everyone, it at least creates awareness and encourages some to think twice. Shubhangi also acknowledged the impact of government ads and awareness campaigns showing the harmful effects of tobacco. “I personally get really scared watching those videos. So yes, they definitely have an effect,” she admitted. However, despite these efforts, hookah parlors and gutka sales continue in many places, even in cities like Mumbai, where they are banned.

“You can’t really stop people. And at the same time, you also can’t control everything. I feel it’s a very individual choice,” she noted. Talking about the popular belief that hookah is a safer or more social alternative, she disagreed and shared, “Anything that affects your health is dangerous, even overeating or eating too little. The extreme of anything is bad. I’m not saying people should smoke or do hookah in moderation, no. But awareness can be spread through strong social messaging.”

“And definitely, if a celebrity says something about it, it can make a big impact. But again, I’d like to say that in the end, it’s an individual choice,” Shubhangi ended.

She is best known for her role in Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain.

Also Read: Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain Actress Shubhangi Atre’s Ex-Husband Piyush Poorey Passes Away Just Two Months After Divorce