Alia Bhatt Faces Backlash Over Anti-Drug Video; NCB Disables Comments Amid Memes and Criticism
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt recently collaborated with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to promote a “Drug-Free India” campaign. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about drug abuse and encourage citizens to take an e-pledge against drugs. However, the campaign quickly became a subject of online ridicule, leading the NCB to disable the comment section on the video post.
The Campaign Video
On August 14, 2025, the NCB’s Chandigarh division shared a 30-second video featuring Alia Bhatt on their official social media platforms. In the video, Alia urges viewers to “say yes to life and no to drugs,” highlighting the dangers of drug addiction and its impact on society. She encourages people to join the campaign by taking an e-pledge through a provided link or QR code. The video was accompanied by hashtags such as #DrugsFreeBharat, #NashaMuktBharat, and #AzadiFromDrugs.
Backlash and Memes
Despite the campaign’s noble intentions, the video faced immediate backlash on social media. Critics questioned the appropriateness of a Bollywood celebrity leading such an initiative, with some pointing out the perceived irony given the industry’s history with substance use. A notable example includes a resurfaced quote from Alia’s husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor, who had previously admitted to using drugs during the filming of “Rockstar.” This led to memes and sarcastic comments, with one user remarking, “When has a pledge ever stopped anyone from doing drugs?”
NCB’s Response
In response to the overwhelming negative feedback, the NCB disabled the comment section on the video post after just six comments were made. The agency’s decision to turn off comments was an attempt to mitigate the online trolling and maintain the campaign’s integrity. Despite this, the video continued to circulate on social media, with many users sharing and commenting on it through other platforms.
Alia Bhatt’s Upcoming Projects
Amidst the controversy, Alia Bhatt remains focused on her professional commitments. She is set to appear in several high-profile films, including “Alpha,” an action thriller in the YRF Spy Universe; “Love & War,” a historical drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal; and “Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev,” the sequel to the fantasy epic.
Conclusion
Alia Bhatt’s involvement in the NCB’s anti-drug campaign highlights the challenges public figures face when addressing sensitive social issues. While the campaign aimed to promote a positive message, the backlash underscores the complexities of using celebrity endorsements in public awareness initiatives. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping public perception and the importance of carefully considering the spokespersons chosen for such campaigns.
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