After restaurant raids, Hum Tum director Kunal Kohli wants FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe to inspect Indian homes. Here's why

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Tukaram Mundhe, the Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is leading a major crackdown on food and drug adulteration across the state. Several establishments have been raided, shut down or issued show-cause notices in recent months, with seizures and police complaints also reported in some cases. Many of the businesses under scrutiny are well-known establishments that have enjoyed an iconic status for generations. Amid the ongoing action, filmmaker Kunal Kohli has made a rather unusual request to the FDA chief.

Kunal Kohli, known for films such as Hum Tum, Fanaa, Teri Mer Kahaani and others, has suggested that Mundhe should take his food safety inspections beyond restaurants and check Indian household kitchens as well. The filmmaker's comment comes as the FDA's surprise inspections continue to draw attention across Maharashtra.

Kunal Kohli wants Tukaram Mundhe to raid Indian kitchens

Kohli made the suggestion in an Instagram post, where he jokingly asked Mundhe to inspect kitchen shelves and refrigerators in homes across the country. According to the filmmaker, "There will be expired items, from years ago, neatly & safely preserved, the bottles & packets wiped clean every month & put back on the shelf or refrigerator never to be used again."


The filmmaker then turned the joke into a suggestion for everyone. He encouraged people to carry out their own “Tukaram Mundhe cleaning” at home by checking their kitchen shelves and refrigerators and getting rid of products that are past their expiry dates.

His post comes at a time when Mundhe's name has become closely associated with the Maharashtra FDA's food safety drive.

Why Tukaram Mundhe is making headlines

Mundhe has been leading inspections of establishments where food is prepared, stored and sold across Maharashtra. The FDA has taken action against several businesses following these checks, including issuing notices and suspending licences in certain cases.

The department's inspections have covered restaurants, hotels, roadside eateries and other food establishments. Some businesses have also faced seizures and police complaints following alleged violations.

The crackdown has attracted additional attention because several of the establishments being inspected are popular names that have been around for decades. The action has consequently sparked wider conversations about food hygiene, storage practices and the importance of following safety regulations.

Mundhe has also become a widely discussed figure on social media. His surprise inspections and strict approach have led some people to compare him to Anil Kapoor's character from Nayak. In the 2001 film, Kapoor plays a journalist who gets an unexpected opportunity to become chief minister and takes quick action against corruption and administrative problems.

While Mundhe's real-life responsibilities are focused on food and drug safety, the comparison reflects the public interest around his recent actions.

FDA action also draws Bollywood into spotlight

The Maharashtra FDA's recent scrutiny has extended beyond restaurants and food outlets. The department has also issued show-cause notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their appearance in an advertisement for Vimal elaichi.

The advertisement was released in 2024 and features the three actors promoting elaichi. Vimal is also associated with pan masala products. The FDA has raised concerns that the campaign could amount to indirect or surrogate promotion of prohibited pan masala or tobacco-related products in Maharashtra.

The actors have been given 15 days from the date of receiving the notices to submit their written explanations. The FDA has warned that further action could follow if the responses are not submitted or are found to be unsatisfactory.