Sarkar 3 and Satya 2 fame actor Amal Sehrawat has weighed in on the growing debate around celebrity endorsements, arguing that stars who lend their name to a product carry a real obligation to understand what they are promoting, even as brands themselves must shoulder much of the responsibility for what they claim.
Speaking on whether celebrities have a duty to understand the risks of a product before endorsing it, Amal called it "a shared responsibility." The actor said, "Celebrities should make a genuine effort to understand the products they choose to endorse because their influence can shape public perception and consumer decisions. At the same time, brands also have a responsibility to ensure their claims are accurate, transparent, and compliant with regulations." He added, "No one can be an expert in every product category, but doing due diligence, asking the right questions, and partnering only with credible brands are important steps. Ultimately, authenticity and trust are what create long-term credibility, for both the celebrity and the brand." On the question of promoting a feature before it has cleared regulatory approval, he said, "I believe trust is the foundation of any endorsement. If a feature still requires regulatory approval, it's always better to wait before promoting it as something that's already available." The actor was careful to note that discussing future innovations is not off the table. "There's nothing wrong with talking about future innovations, as long as it's communicated honestly and transparently. When brands are clear about what's approved and what's still in progress, consumers can make informed decisions, and that ultimately benefits everyone." Asked whether celebrity star power encourages people to trust technology without questioning its risks, Amal replied, "Star power certainly grabs attention and can create initial trust, but I don't think it should replace informed decision making. Today's consumers are more aware and have access to information at their fingertips."While a celebrity can introduce a product to a wider audience, people should still take the time to understand how it works, its benefits, and any potential risks. Trust is strongest when it's built on transparency, awareness, and informed choices, not just popularity." On how endorsers should respond when regulators raise red flags, the actor said, "I think transparency is always the best approach. If regulators raise concerns about a product, it's important for everyone involved, including the brand and its endorsers, to communicate responsibly." He added, "If a clarification is needed, addressing the situation openly can help avoid confusion and maintain public trust. At the same time, it's important to respect due process and allow the facts to emerge before drawing conclusions. Clear, honest communication is ultimately in everyone's best interest." Asked whether endorsement deals have become more about paychecks than public responsibility, Amal pushed back on the generalization. "I don't think it's fair to generalize. Endorsements are a professional partnership, and like any profession, compensation is a part of the equation, but for many celebrities, credibility and reputation are just as valuable as the paycheck. In today's world, audiences are quick to question authenticity, so long-term trust matters more than short-term gains. The most meaningful endorsements happen when there's genuine belief in the brand and a sense of responsibility toward the people who follow you." On whether celebrities should be held accountable if products they promote later face serious regulatory or consumer concerns, Amal said, "I think responsibility should be shared. A brand is responsible for making sure its product is safe and follows the rules. At the same time, celebrities should understand what they're endorsing before they put their name behind it." The actor concluded, "If any serious concerns come up later, being honest, addressing the issue, and supporting the right steps is important. Every situation is different, so accountability should depend on the facts."More Articles