Bollywood Actors Who Smoke Despite Being Superstars

Bollywood, the hub of dreams, stardom, and movie magic, is usually worshipped for its glamour and glitz. Yet, beneath the stardom screen, there exists a less publicized world — one in which bad habits such as smoking flourish. Even though icons to many millions, some Bollywood actors and actresses still indulge in smoking, giving their fans a questionable role model. This piece focuses closely on the Bollywood stars who smoke, the social ramifications of the habit, and the need for positive role modeling.

The Glamour and the Addiction

In most Bollywood movies, cigarettes are used as a style statement. With time, the depiction has made cigarettes look glamorous, particularly when linked to larger-than-life heroes. Although cinema is instrumental in shaping public attitudes, reality within the world of cinema is anything but stylish. Smoking has become the norm within the business — part of the daily business of most A-listers.

Elderly Bollywood critic and change specialist Hirav Shah comments, "Bollywood is not a dream world only; it's also where bad behaviors such as smoking become strong. Not only male film stars, but numerous female film stars too are smokers."

Male Superstars Who Smoke

Shah Rukh Khan

One of Bollywood's most prominent stars, Shah Rukh Khan, has confessed to being a chain smoker openly, going through as many as four packs daily, according to reports. Even after mentioning that he wanted to quit when his youngest son was born, he could not help but get hooked again and has been fined for smoking in public. He has asked people not to follow this habit. 

Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay's struggle with drug addiction is infamous. As revealed in his biopic Sanju, he was a chain smoker and used to consume drugs. Upon quitting drugs, he said that the fear of backsliding prompted him to work on fitness instead.

Ranbir Kapoor

Though he has a clean image, Ranbir has been known to have a smoking addiction. Director Prakash Jha reported that Ranbir's addictions disrupted film shoots. His dependence on cigarettes goes against the clean public image that he is famous for.

Hrithik Roshan

Bollywood's most fit actor, Hrithik Roshan, has also struggled with an addiction to smoking. While working on Guzaarish, he was reported to be smoking on set most of the time, which upset his fans immensely.

Shahid Kapoor

Shahid was a chain smoker but gave up the habit of smoking after he married Mira Rajput. Shahid quit smoking on Mira's insistence, making him one of the very few stars to break free from the addiction successfully.

Saif Ali Khan

Saif, who is famous for being from royal blood and his dashing image, has been smoking for years. His mother, Sharmila Tagore, previously revealed that his smoking habit impacted his health to the extent of hospitalization in 2007.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan was a chain smoker but allegedly quit smoking and drinking after receiving medical treatment for a nerve disorder in 2021. Although he still has jaw pain, he has greatly improved his lifestyle.

Ajay Devgan

Ajay Devgan has openly confessed his inability to quit smoking. Even with the support of his daughter, he still smokes and admits that quitting is very hard for him.

Arjun Rampal

Famed for his good looks and robust screen presence, Arjun Rampal is a chain smoker. He has never shied away from admitting his addiction and remains spotted smoking in life.

Female Celebrities Who Smoke

Kangana Ranaut

Kangana has frequently talked about her smoking addiction and thinks that it is a stress reliever. She is among the few actresses who smoke on-screen and off-screen.

Konkona Sen Sharma

Konkona's smoking habit once resulted in pregnancy complications. Despite health warnings, she has continued to smoke, according to reports.

Rani Mukerji

Rani is extremely addicted to smoking, with reports stating that she starts her day with a cigarette. Despite quitting attempts, it is difficult for her to give up.

Sushmita Sen

Ex-Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has accepted smoking as a way of life and confesses to being a regular smoker both in her personal and working life.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka was in the news when pictures of her smoking a cigar on her birthday were posted online. This was met with criticism as she had previously campaigned against pollution for Diwali, mentioning her asthma.

Ameesha Patel

After being once admired for her youthful appearance, Ameesha's smoking trend is believed to have led to early aging and perceptible skin damage.

The Other Side: Non-Smokers in Bollywood

Although most of them indulge, some of the Bollywood celebrities are recognized to follow disciplined, smoke-free lives. Artists such as Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Sonam Kapoor do not smoke and encourage health and fitness.

Conclusion: Time for a Change?

Bollywood has been inspiring individuals for ages with its tales of struggle and triumph. But with so much influence, its stars must set positive examples. Smoking not only damages health but also makes an addiction that kills millions around the world acceptable.

As Hirav Shah rightly summarizes, "It's not easy to quit smoking, particularly in a group where it's the norm. But if stars like Shah Rukh Khan can quit, it could really make a generation feel inspired."

FAQs On Bollywood Smokers

Q: Which are the female Bollywood stars who smoke?
A: Some of the well-known smokers include Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, Sushmita Sen, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Ameesha Patel.

Q: Which are the Bollywood non-smokers?
A: Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty, and Sonam Kapoor are some of the celebrities who don't smoke.