A social media campaign by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) featuring Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt has triggered online backlash, forcing the agency to disable comments on the post.
The Chandigarh division of the NCB had posted a video of Alia Bhatt urging people to say “no to drugs” as part of its #NashaMuktBharat campaign. Despite the criticism, the video went viral, garnering over 1.1 million views and 680 reposts within days.
In the video, Alia Bhatt says, “Drug addiction is a threat to our life, society, and nation. Support NCB in this campaign. Say yes to life and no to drugs.” She also encouraged people to take an e-pledge through a link or QR code.
Trolls Question Alia’s Credibility
The video, however, was met with sarcastic and hostile responses. Some users questioned Alia’s credibility as the campaign face, while others mocked the initiative itself. “Bollywood spreading drug awareness,” one wrote, while another commented, “When has a pledge ever stopped anyone from doing drugs?”
Several critics also dragged in her husband Ranbir Kapoor, calling the campaign “ironic.”
Within hours, NCB turned off comments on the post after receiving only six replies—all critical. Comments remain active on the agency’s other posts.
