Ever wondered while watching a movie if the actors on-screen are smoking real cigarettes and joints? Well, film enthusiasts who have been wondering for ages about actors and actresses smoking on-screen, your curiosity ends here!
In films and OTT shows, actors often smoke on screen, creating a realistic cinematic effect. But what many viewers don’t realize is that most cigarettes used are fake—specially designed props made from herbal ingredients or nicotine-free substitutes.
With streaming platforms making smoking scenes more visible, the misconception continues to grow. So next time you see a favourite Bollywood or Hollywood celebrity smoking on-screen, know that it is all just smoke and mirrors!
Wondering what fake cigarettes are? Let us break it down for you!
What Are Fake Cigarettes?
They look real, but they are not. Fake cigarettes, often called herbal cigarettes or prop cigarettes, are designed to look and burn like real cigarettes but contain no tobacco or nicotine. Instead, they are made from herbs like tea leaves, clove, rose petals, or mint, which create a similar effect without being addictive like a regular cigarette.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, which contain tar and nicotine, fake cigarettes produce less smoke, no strong tobacco odour, and no addictive effects.
They are often used in Bollywood and Hollywood films to create an effect of smoking.
Where To Buy Fake Cigarettes?
One quick search on Amazon and Flipkart, and you will be introduced to the world of fake cigarettes.
Other than E-Commerce websites, many film supply stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad stock prop cigarettes that produce realistic smoke without actual tobacco. Chor Bazaar in Mumbai and film set suppliers in Andheri are known for sourcing professional props. Additionally, local theatre supply shops often carry non-toxic, smokeless options.
Hollywood Has Been Doing It After Ages
Hollywood has been using prop cigarettes for decades, ensuring actors don’t develop a real smoking habit for a role. Films like 'Mad Men' and 'The Wolf of Wall Street' feature heavy on-screen smoking, but thanks to these props, actors can maintain authenticity without inhaling actual tobacco.
From gritty crime thrillers to vintage noir dramas, smoking often defines a character’s personality, and these props help achieve that effect—without real cigarettes.
