Shrimad Ramayan's Harleen Kaur Rekhi on World No Tobacco Day; says ‘Whenever someone smokes near me, I try to walk away'

Time of India

30-05-2025

Known for her portrayal of Mandodari in Shrimad Ramayan, actress Harleen Kaur Rekhi is using her voice this World No Tobacco Day to speak out against the normalization of smoking and the overlooked dangers of hookah, particularly among today's youth.
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In a candid conversation, Harleen shares her growing concern about how tobacco use has evolved from a harmful addiction into a misleading lifestyle trend. 'Hookah has also become a trend these days. People often say, 'If you're not smoking, I only do hookah.' I've heard so many people talk about it. But at the end of the day, it's a personal choice,' she says, while urging individuals to make informed and conscious decisions.
A non-smoker herself, Harleen is particularly sensitive to the effects of passive smoking. 'People have started doing it openly in public spaces. As someone who doesn't smoke, it's difficult for me. I've always been aware that passive smoking is even more dangerous than active smoking. So whenever someone smokes near me, I try to walk away,' she reveals.
Harleen also sheds light on how the media and peer influence subtly push these habits.
'Videos and advertisements do impact the audience. People see these ads, feel inspired for a moment, and then forget. Smoking and hookah are being normalized — even glamorized — just to feel like part of a group,' she explains.
When it comes to portraying smoking on screen, the actress is open-minded but cautious. 'There's a possibility I might get a scene involving smoking. I'm not completely against it, but I'd prefer an alternative.
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I've heard of less harmful, herbal substitutes used on screen. If something like that is available, I'd prefer that route.'
Harleen is particularly vocal about the underestimated risks of hookah. 'Hookah is not a safer option. It's equally dangerous. It's time we stop thinking of it as 'cool.' We need more campaigns dedicated specifically to this,' she says with conviction.
Her call for change is clear: 'Just saying 'smoking is injurious to health' isn't enough anymore… Real awareness is still lacking.' On this World No Tobacco Day, Harleen Kaur Rekhi's message stands out as a powerful reminder that awareness must be active, honest, and ongoing.