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Bollywood Health Lite Blogs

Nandita Das Joins ‘Mothers Against Vaping’ Campaign

Citing recent research published in the journal, Tobacco Control, Mothers Against Vaping highlighted the findings linking vaping to raised levels of uranium and lead exposure. The study examined urine samples from vapers to detect the presence of uranium, cadmium and lead…reports Asian Lite News

‘Mothers Against Vaping’, a united front of concerned mothers combatting the promotion of New-Age Tobacco Devices such as e-cigarettes, vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat-not-burn products, e-hookahs and similar devices among Indian children and youth, on Friday announced that Nandita Das, actor-filmmaker and National Film Award winner, would be supporting and endorsing their critical cause.

Nandita Das joins a distinguished group of influential role models including Baichung Bhutia, Deepa Malik, Dutee Chand, Neha Dhupia, Kushboo Sundar and Kishwar Desai who have been supporting Mothers Against Vaping in their campaign against the growing threat of vaping among children and youth.

Nandita’s endorsement will be important in combating children and youth vaping. Her influence will amplify Mothers Against Vaping’s efforts, highlighting the urgency of addressing this health crisis and implementing protective measures against the use of new-age tobacco devices.

On her joining the cause of Mothers Against Vaping, Nandita Das said, “The increasing prevalence of modern new-age tobacco devices among our children and youth should be of deep concern to all of us. As a mother of a teenager, I worry for all children and hope that they don’t fall prey to such harmful addictions. The issue demands our immediate personal and collective attention. That’s why I am wholeheartedly supporting ‘Mothers Against Vaping’ in their efforts to combat the promotion of devices such as e-cigarettes, vapes and heat-not-burn products.”

“Today’s children are intelligent and exposed to a lot of information. They are also vocal and rational. So we need to explain to them logically the dangers of such devices that may look attractive or ‘cool’. They can see reason if we engage with them constructively and compassionately. It is difficult to shun peer pressure at their age, so we must find ways to boost their confidence and equip them to make informed choices. Let us support them in making healthy decisions,” Nandita added.

On the occasion of Nandita joining their mission, Mothers Against Vaping highlighted a new danger for children and teens who vape. These children now face heightened risks of exposure to uranium and lead. This kind of exposure to New-Age Tobacco Devices like Electronic Cigarettes, Vaping Devices and other Heat Not Burn Devices can harm the brain and affect its development in children and teens.

Citing recent research published in the journal, Tobacco Control, Mothers Against Vaping highlighted the findings linking vaping to raised levels of uranium and lead exposure. The study examined urine samples from vapers to detect the presence of uranium, cadmium and lead.

The research also reported increased uranium levels found in vapers who used sweet-flavoured categories. The report found 90 per cent higher uranium levels among vapers who preferred sweet flavours such as fruit, chocolate or desserts.

There is mounting evidence that strongly suggests the detrimental impact of the use of new-age tobacco devices among both children and adults. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which are typically smoked in a few minutes, these devices allow for extended usage sessions. The ultrafine particles and chemicals found in the e-liquids of these devices pose risks of chemical poisoning to users.

E-Cigarettes Help More Smokers Quit

There has been an increase in the number of people switching to electronic cigarettes while quitting regular tobacco smoking, claims a study.

Previously, using electronic cigarettes did not lead to smoking cessation.

The new study led by a team from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York, US, examined differences in real-world trends in population-level cigarette discontinuation rates from 2013 to 2021 in American adults.

Their findings, published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, found that quit rates changed between 2018 and 2021 than earlier years.

During this period, 30.9 per cent of adult smokers who used e-cigarettes quit tobacco cigarettes. On the other hand, only 20 per cent of smokers who did not use e-cigarettes quit smoking.

In contrast, between 2013 and 2016, smoking rates were statistically indistinguishable between people who used e-cigarettes (15.5 per cent) and those who did not (15.6 per cent).

“Our findings here suggest that the times have changed when it comes to vaping and smoking cessation for adults in the US,” said first author Karin Kasza, Assistant Professor of oncology in the Department of Health Behaviour at Roswell Park.

“While our study doesn’t give the answers as to why vaping is associated with cigarette quitting in the population today when it wasn’t associated with quitting years ago, design changes leading to e-cigarettes that deliver nicotine more effectively should be investigated. This work underscores the importance of using the most recent data to inform public health decisions,” Kasza added.

ALSO READ-Neha Dhupia Joins Mothers Against Vaping

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Nandita : Smaller’ films not getting enough releases

Talking about the film’s release on OTT platforms, she says it is not that they do not want it,  just that economics has to work for both — the platforms and the investors…writes Sukant Deepak

Even as her latest film ‘Zwigato’ has found a permanent place in the core collection in the library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, actor-director Nandita Das laments that it is a pity that ‘smaller’ films are not getting enough releases in cinemas. Despite the fact that for the past 15 years or so, the participation of independent films made in India has increased dramatically at major international festivals, Das feels the economics of running a theatre has become quite difficult with the advent of OTT platforms. “Only very big budget films, which are more of spectacles, can afford to be distributed in theatres. We as filmmakers would want our films to be on the big screens where the audience commits their time completely to watch a film. It is a unique, collective, and immersive experience,” says the actor-director who has acted in over 40 films in 10 languages and made films like ‘Firaaq’, ‘Manto’ and now ‘Zwigato’. 

It was during Covid that her last film was conceived as a short one, but after being nudged by Sameer Nair (CEO, Applause Entertainment), who was to produce it, she began to delve deeper. “The research process for the film took about two years. We gathered facts as well as personal stories by interviewing many riders. Their struggles, dilemmas, fears, and aspirations helped me understand their world closely. We also spoke to ex-employees and senior managers of food delivery companies. Ultimately, it is a human story and that is why I think people connected with it,” says Das. 

Stressing that she was surprised to receive a mail from the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences asking for the Zwigato script, the writer-filmmaker, who is not a trained writer and ‘enacts’ every dialogue she writes in her head, adds, “ So, the script is considered worthy by a discerning and credible body is surely an honor. After screening the film to so many different audiences, it is the icing on the cake that the film has a universal resonance.”

Talking about the film’s release on OTT platforms, she says it is not that they do not want it,  just that economics has to work for both — the platforms and the investors. “Commerce is a reality and unfortunately cannot be ignored. There are many who are waiting for an OTT release so I hope ‘Zwigato’ finds a good home very soon and the film can reach as many people as possible.” 

As the conversation veers towards the content being pushed on OTT platforms in current times and she says there are many who find amazing films and hidden gems of various genres. Stressing that we, as audiences, are complicit in the kinds of content that get produced and distributed, the actor-director adds, “ It is only when more of us watch independent films and unique stories, that more such films will be made. Basically, the more the demand, the more will be the supply so we cannot absolve ourselves of our responsibility in shaping the content that we are lured into.” 

Some who instinctively anchor towards projects she relates to, Das looks for a good script that resonates with her sensibilities, interests, and concerns. “For me, a director who can translate that into an interesting cinematic experience and a role that is layered and believable is equally important. Often, all these things do not come together as there are many factors involved in filmmaking.  But all I can say is that I chose films for the right reasons,” she says.

Das, who has always enjoyed doing different things does not see any reason why one has to make a choice between acting and direction. “ I have never really planned my life, even though I believe that every choice you make leads you to the next crossroad. Each form of expression challenges and excites me in different ways. But direction, while far more consuming, brings together my various interests and passions. Both have different challenges and thrills. The experience is fairly incomparable. So, I hope I never have to choose between the two,” concludes Das who is currently working on a film story and will soon be seen in a web series.

ALSO READ-‘Every artist is different, that comes forth in their work’