Singer Shaan appointed anti-tobacco brand ambassador

Bollywood playback Singer Shaan was today appointed the ambassador of anti-tobacco campaign.

The singer has composed a music video 'Life Se panga mat le yaar' to discourage youngsters from smoking. The 4-minute long video will be played in all the music channels.

"I relate closely to the issue. I lost my father when I was 13-year-old because of his fondness to tobacco. That time I was 13-year-old. So, without giving any second thought to it, I took up this project and will always contribute my best to it," Shaan said, while launching tobacco control campaign by Health Ministry and Salaam Bombay foundation.

The singer, who has voiced numbers like 'Main hoon Don' and 'Jane Kya Hoga Rama Re' featuring smoking scenes, says he will try to distance himself from projects which promote smoking.

"I am the voice behind many such songs but from now onwards I will try myself not to associate with such songs anymore. I don't smoke and people should take inspiration from this side of mine, rather than relating themselves with the song," he added.

The singer said that he will promote the good cause in his forthcoming concerts to raise the awareness towards it. Nata Menabde, the WHO representative to India, said that the tobacco addiction is a growing problem in the country.

"It is huge and we are extremely concerned. Tobacco addiction is very high but it is difficult to compare India with other countries because India is predominantly using smokeless tobacco. But it is a big issue as India has a huge young population.

"Health Ministry alone can not solve this problem. It is a very multi-sectorial issue, it requires commitment and messages related to health."