Cuttack: In a twist that blends Bollywood glamour with consumer rights, the Odisha State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has stayed proceedings against actor Hrithik Roshan in a case alleging that a soft drink advertisement featuring him misled a minor into believing the beverage could boost strength and sporting performance.
The interim order came after Roshan challenged a ruling by the Kalahandi District Consumer Commission, which had refused to drop his name from the complaint.
The case was filed by Deepak Kumar Dubey of Khariar, who claimed his 11-year-old son was influenced by Roshan's TV commercial, believing the drink would give him energy and courage. The boy even attempted to imitate stunts shown in the ad, according to the complaint.
Dubey sought compensation and an apology, naming both Roshan and the manufacturer as opposite parties. While the district forum admitted the complaint, Roshan's plea for deletion was rejected, prompting his appeal in Cuttack.
On Friday, the State Commission issued notices to the complainant and the company, directing them to respond. Advocates Tirtha Kumar Sahoo and Shubham Satpathy represented Roshan. The matter will be taken up after replies are filed, with the Commission set to decide whether proceedings against the actor should continue.