Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has responded to the support he has received from Bollywood celebrities amid the state’s ongoing food safety campaign, saying public backing should also lead to concrete action.
Actors including Preity Zinta and Mallika Sherawat have publicly praised Mundhe and his work.
Zinta recently showed her support by wearing a black T-shirt bearing the words "Team Tukaram Mundhe." She also praised the FDA chief’s efforts.
"It is time to celebrate these heroes," Zinta said when asked about Mundhe.
Mundhe said he had not spoken personally or over the phone with Zinta but appreciated her public gesture.
"No, I haven't spoken to her personally, nor have we talked over the phone. But I am grateful that she mentioned Team Tukaram Mundhe," he told PTI.
While thanking those who have supported the campaign, Mundhe said public gestures should be followed by participation and action.
"I feel that people with good intentions exist at every level and in every sector of society. A team should be formed around these good causes; good ideas, thoughts, and actions should be promoted," he said.
He stressed that simply wearing a T-shirt showing support was not enough.
"Simply wearing a T-shirt with 'Team Tukaram Mundhe' is not enough. Merely displaying the title won't suffice; the actual work must be done, and the right mindset must be adopted," Mundhe said.
Mallika Sherawat praises Mundhe
Mallika Sherawat also shared a video praising Mundhe and the FDA's food safety campaign.
In the video, Sherawat was seen eating idli and chutney while speaking about the inspection drive.
"Aap ki wajah se ab main shanti se khana kha sakti hu... Aap ki nazro se kuch bachta nahi," she said, meaning that she could now eat peacefully because nothing escaped Mundhe's watch.
Responding to the wider issue of food safety, Mundhe urged citizens to remain alert about what they eat, especially products that may be adulterated, unsafe or unhealthy.
"I believe that every citizen must keep 'nazar' (vigilant eye) on items that are adulterated, unsafe, or unhealthy, specifically those high in fat, sugar, or salt that could harm one's health," he said.
He also described food safety as a shared responsibility rather than the task of one person.
"I am trying to do my part and carry out my responsibility. However, I feel this isn't just a task for one individual; it is a team effort," Mundhe said.
Twinkle Khanna jokes about inspections
Actor and writer Twinkle Khanna also joined the discussion with a humorous take on the FDA's inspection drive.
She joked about what might happen if inspectors visited her home, imagining them finding a packet of "Shahi Masala" that had expired around the time of the Mughal Empire.
Source: NDTV