Bollywood, the glitzy, glamorous, larger-than-life world of actors, tends to influence trends that are emulated by millions of its fans. While numerous stars endorse fitness, health, and well-being, others are a handful who, despite being superstars, have not been immune to smoking. Their habit of smoking—touted on backchat or finally confessed in interviews—mirrors an aspect of stardom that few realize exists: the human side with shortcomings and hang-ups.

List of Bollywood Stars that Smoke.

1. Shah Rukh Khan: The Film Star and the Cigarette King.

In the words of the “King of Bollywood” himself, Shah Rukh Khan is known for his charm as much as for his decades-long smoking habit. Though he has a very organized life and is very dedicated to his health and to his stage performances, SRK also is a regular smoker which he does on and off screen. Over the years in interviews, he has opened up about his habit which is one he wishes to break. Also, he makes fun of it and puts it down to the stress and pressure of his job whichin turn makes him pick up that which he knows is bad for him.

2. Salman Khan: The Brother That Couldn’t Break Free.

Salman Khan known for his action hero roles and incredible physical condition has had a past with very public smoking. A former chain smoker he has reported to have made many attempts to quit in particular after health issues presented. Though at times he has been said to have succeeded in his efforts to give up, reports and sightings by the public indicate that he does relapse. Salman’s struggle with smoking is a testament to the fact that even the most public figures fight their demons.

3. Ranbir Kapoor: Next-generation Star with old habits.

Ranbir Kapoor who is an excellent actor of his generation has been in the media a great deal due to his smoking issue. He has spoken out on it often, says he wants to stop but reports that it is very hard. During the making of films like Rockstar and Barfi! which he starred in, his smoking was a issue which the directors and production crew had issues with.

Ranbir has put out many attempts including that of professional help but still has issues with the habit.

4. Ajay Devgn: The Aggressive Actor who loves cigarettes.

Ajay Devgn is also a Bollywood superstar who has the issue of smoking. In all his films and real life, we see a pack at his side, over the years Ajay’s smoking has been a matter of public record. Although he lives a very private life, what little is known is that he is a smoker. Some report that he has tried to quit, mostly for health reasons, but it is still a day-to-day thing for him.

5. Saif Ali Khan: A vice he tries to break.

Saif Ali Khan which is to say the Nawab of Bollywood has also been an open smoker. While he isn’t usually caught on camera smoking in public places, he has been reported to have been a cigarette user for decades. He did have a health breakdown which in turn made him quit or at least cut down on the smoking. Like most though that is a struggle he has had for many years.

The Bigger Picture: Stardom is not perfection.

Although these stars have a world wide audience and they put out content for that, what we see is that fame didn’t bring them perfection. For many it began as a stress thing in the early days of their career or just because it was a part of what was accepted in the community. What is notable is their honesty most have come out and talked about it, and regret it.

Conclusion:

Bollywood stars are put on a pedestal, they are seen as idols that we watch over. While smoking is a choice for them it is a public health issue especially when they do it in full public view which they have an audience in the millions. What we see though is many of these celebrities do come out and speak of their addictions and their struggle to break free from them. It is a reminder that behind all that glamour there are very real personal issues also and that we may not always come out victorious in those.