"Celebrities Should Ask If a Product Is Safe Before Promoting It": Smriti Khaannaa
Actor Smriti Khaannaa believes celebrities have a responsibility to exercise due diligence before endorsing products and services, especially those involving technology and consumer trust. Sharing her perspective on celebrity endorsements, she stressed that while public figures are not expected to be experts, they should make an effort to understand the basics before lending their credibility to any campaign.
Her comments come amid discussions surrounding celebrity-backed technology promotions and the importance of ensuring that products are introduced responsibly.
Speaking about the responsibility that comes with endorsements, Smriti said celebrities should never promote products blindly simply because they are being paid. She believes asking fundamental questions about safety and reliability is an essential part of the process.
"If they take money to promote it, they should ask basic questions like, 'Is this safe?' They don't need to be experts, but blind promoting is risky," she said.
Smriti also believes celebrities should exercise caution when a product has not yet received all necessary approvals or is under regulatory scrutiny. According to her, endorsing such products prematurely could affect public perception and potentially damage the credibility of the individual promoting them.
"If the government is worried, promoting it early makes the celeb look careless. Better to wait," she said.
Highlighting the influence public figures have over consumer behaviour, Smriti pointed out that audiences often place significant trust in familiar faces. She believes that celebrity endorsements can lower people's natural caution, making it even more important for endorsers to act responsibly.
"When a famous person says, 'Use this,' people drop their guard. They think it must be safe without checking," she explained.
Smriti also addressed the role celebrities should play if concerns arise after an endorsement has been released. In her view, remaining silent when questions are raised can create the impression that the endorser is indifferent to public concerns. She believes a simple acknowledgement of the issue can demonstrate responsibility and reassure audiences.
"If they stay silent, people think they don't care. A simple 'I'm aware of the issue and hope it gets fixed' helps," she said.
Discussing the commercial side of endorsements, Smriti acknowledged that lucrative brand deals can sometimes overshadow careful evaluation. However, she believes changing regulations and increasing scrutiny are encouraging celebrities to be more cautious about the brands and products they choose to represent.
"The pay is huge, so some celebs don't ask tough questions. But now they can be fined, so it's getting risky," she remarked.
On the issue of accountability, Smriti maintained that responsibility should extend beyond signing a contract. She believes that if a celebrity knowingly makes misleading claims or fails to carry out even basic checks, there should be consequences. More importantly, she feels public figures owe transparency to the people who place their trust in them.
"If they lied or didn't check at all, then yes, they can be fined. At least they should answer to the public, because people trusted them," she concluded.
As digital products and technology services become increasingly integrated into everyday life, Smriti Khaannaa's views highlight the growing conversation around responsible celebrity endorsements, consumer awareness, and the importance of balancing commercial opportunities with public trust.
