GDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Reacts to Preity Zinta’s Viral T-Shirt, Thanks Mallika Sherawat for Support
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has responded to Bollywood's backing, including Preity Zinta's 'Team Tukaram Mundhe' T-shirt and Mallika Sherawat's recent praise. While appreciating the celebrity support for his food safety crackdown, Mundhe stressed that tangible action and public vigilance are essential for genuine impact, moving beyond mere symbolic gestures.
Bollywood has thrown its weight behind Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe's aggressive food safety drive, with actress Preity Zinta making a bold statement and Mallika Sherawat offering effusive praise. However, Mundhe, known for his no-nonsense approach, has responded by emphasizing that while he appreciates the celebrity endorsements, actual work and a change in public mindset are paramount for real impact. Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Warns Stars That Influence Is Not Legal Immunity.
His remarks come amidst a widespread crackdown on food irregularities across Maharashtra, a campaign that has seen over 3,000 spot checks since May 2026, leading to numerous license suspensions and improvement notices.
Tukaram Mundhe on Preity Zinta's ‘Team Tukaram Mundhe’T-Shirt
Preity Zinta recently garnered significant attention when she was spotted in Mumbai sporting a black T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Team Tukaram Mundhe." The actress's sartorial choice quickly went viral around September 7, 2026, signalling her clear support for the FDA chief. When questioned about Mundhe, Zinta reportedly stated, "It is time to celebrate these heroes."
Responding to Zinta's gesture, Mundhe expressed gratitude for the public mention but clarified that he had not personally spoken to her. He then articulated his core message: "No, I haven't spoken to her personally, nor have we talked over the phone. But I am grateful that she mentioned Team Tukaram Mundhe," he said. He continued, underscoring the need for more than just symbolic support, "Simply wearing a T-shirt with 'Team Tukaram Mundhe' is not enough. Merely displaying the title won't suffice; the actual work must be done, and the right mindset must be adopted."
Tukaram Mundhe Responds to Mallika Sherawat's Praise and Concludes
Adding to the wave of celebrity support, Mallika Sherawat took to Instagram around September 19-20, 2026, sharing a video of herself enjoying idli and chutney while praising Mundhe's efforts. Speaking in a mix of Hindi and Marathi, Sherawat lauded the commissioner, saying, "Aap ki wajah se ab main shanti se khana kha sakti hu jaante hue ki aap ke jo strict rules hai, aapke jo adarsh hai woh hum sab ko safe rakh rahe hai. Aap ki nazro se kuch bachta nahi (For you now I can eat food without worrying. Because of your strict rules, your values… which are keeping all of us safe. Nothing gets past your sharp eye). Thank you so much."
Mundhe acknowledged Sherawat's appreciation, along with other public figures like Salman Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, and Twinkle Khanna, who have also voiced support for the FDA's work. However, he maintained his consistent stance that such endorsements must translate into tangible public engagement. ‘Vibe’ Movie Review: Kunal Kemmu’s Spy Comedy Delivers Big Laughs Despite Second-Half Stumble.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report food safety concerns, stating, "I believe that every citizen must keep 'nazar' (vigilant eye) on items that are adulterated, unsafe, or unhealthy, specifically those high in fat, sugar, or salt that could harm one's health." He reiterated that while he is doing his part, the immense task of ensuring food safety is a collective, team effort that requires everyone's active participation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 05:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
