New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed an intense debate on the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to overhaul the tax structure on tobacco products in India, when BJP MP and actor Arun Govil took centre stage by recalling his personal transformation and speaking strongly in favour of the bill.

Govil, widely known for portraying Lord Ram in the iconic TV serial 'Ramayan', said he supports the government’s move to revise excise duties on cigarettes, cigars, gutka, chewing tobacco, hookah, zarda and scented tobacco as part of efforts to curb tobacco addiction nationwide.

“I stand here in support of this bill because I have been tobacco-free for 50 years. Before 'Ramayan', I used to be a chain smoker. I chewed gutka all day. The day 'Ramayan' came into my life, I ga

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