Say 'NO' to smoking NARAYANI SHASTRI:

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.