May 31st is observed as World No Tobacco Day. We are all aware of the adverse effects of tobacco chewing and smoking including lung infections, oral and lung cancer. Yet there are many who get initiated into it and think smoking is a passport to adulthood. In this anti-smoking week, we ask some Tellywood stars who have taken a drag regularly or occasionally, and have given up on smoking.

NARAYANI SHASTRI:

It's been a year since I quit smoking. I did a couple of characters who smoke and I started. I just wanted to try and see how it feels. But I always knew I could quit whenever I wished and I did.

Smoking is a more serious addiction than alcohol. There is a rehab, Alcohol Anonymous for drinkers but none for smokers. In my own way I try to rid my friends who are smokers, of the habit, by fingering them and their egos saying, "See I quit, you can't". Yes, a couple of them have tried.

ACHINT KAUR:
At a point of time, I used to smoke. Now, it's once in a while. No vice should be developed as it saps your energy, harms you physically, mentally and spiritually. I don't drink. Smoking was the only vice I had which I quit. My son, Preetanjan used to hate it when I puffed. I went for a trek and after that I just didn't feel like taking a drag anymore.

People generally take to this habit due to peer pressure. I believe they have started a rehab and if there isn't one, they should. It's sheer will power that can help.

VIKAS BHALLA:
When I was in college, I tried smoking. After I have taken to singing seriously, I stopped completely. Smoking affects every part of the body. Anything in excess is an addiction and any addiction is bad.

I believe some people need to hold something between their fingers while conversing and if you can think of an alternative, using a cigarette can be avoided. It's only with will power that one can overcome this habit.

MAANAV GOHIL:
It's not that I have never smoked, but I am not a smoker in the sense I don't carry a pack of cigarettes. When I am with friends who smoke, once in a way, I might take a drag to give them company. I have never been inclined towards this habit.

According to me, no rehab can help unless the smoker himself wishes to quit. One must use his own will power to stop the addiction.