Striking a discordant note over Health Minister's plans to ban smoking in films and TV, new Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting M H Ambareesh, an actor-turned-politician, today said he was against any such ban.

"We live in a democratic country. Everybody's tastes are different. If heroes stop smoking, will people not smoke?" he said adding the matter should be left to individuals.

The Minister said "we can't force and can't bind anybody." Ambareesh, who is yet to take charge, said "why you want to ban smoking in films. Ban cigarette factories only. Am I right or wrong?" At the same time, he made it clear he would be happy if people did not smoke "because health-wise, it is not good." Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi also has reservations over Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss' plans to ban smoking in films.

--- PTI