Vivek Oberoi Claims Doesn't Smoke 'Hookah' 

Vivek Oberoi, who was booked under the Tobacco act along with 23 others recently for allegedly smoking hookah, yesterday claimed that he wasn't smoking hookah or consuming alcohol, when the police conducted a surprise check in a restaurant in suburban Mumbai.

Vivek divulged that he was having dinner with his friends, he also said that he has more than 25 witnesses to prove his case.

"I was having dinner at a five-star hotel, I have the bill and at least 25 witnesses to prove that there was neither any kind of smoking nor alcohol on my table. Unfortunately, actors have become soft targets for such sensational nonsense. This rubbish should stop. It is very hurtful and unfair," said Vivek in a statement.

On Wednesday, Mumbai police conducted a surprise raid in Mabrook restaurant located in Sahara Star Hotel. There they found customers smoking shisha, a blend of molasses, fruit and tobacco. Hookah smoking is banned in public areas and on that account 24 people were booked including Vivek. Interestingly, Oberoi is the World Health Organisation's(WHO) anti-smoking movement's brand ambassador.

Sources reveal, that Oberoi had requested the cops to let him go, as it would tarnish his anti-smoking crusader image. "I can't believe that some sections of the media can be so irresponsible. It is extremely disturbing...after 11 years of consistent hard work and commitment as an anti-tobacco ambassador, being awarded and recognised by the United Nations for my efforts, inspiring hundreds of young volunteers to join the anti-tobacco cause. They have damaged my reputation with such lies," said the 35-year-old actor.