Patna, Aug. 22: Actor-parliamentarian Shatrughan Sinha is scheduled to deliver a speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on the ill-effects of consuming tobacco products, next month. He will be a part of the Indian parliamentary delegation that will visit the 66th session of the General Assembly.

This is, however, not the first time that Sinha would be speaking at the UN.

Sinha told The Telegraph: “It is a privilege to speak at the UN General Assembly. Things have started to turn in my favour. I still remember the time I visited UN in 2006 and delivered a speech on the Indo-Pak relationship with special reference to Kashmir. I received a good response from all the dignitaries present. Some Pakistani delegates were not happy but as they knew me because of my frequent visits to their country, it was a good discussion.

“This time, I will speak on the ill-effects of consuming tobacco products. This topic is very close to my heart and I am involved in various campaigns that spread awareness on the issue. The habit of smoking and chewing gutkha is a serious issue and I want to spread the message against tobacco consumption across the globe. There cannot be a bigger platform than the UN General Assembly for such a message.”

Sinha also said: “The formal announcement will soon be made by Parliament. It is a great achievement for any delegate to speak at the UN and it is a proud moment for me, as I am getting the opportunity for the second time.”

He added: “Normally, I do not practice before I speak at any function but for UN, I have to rehearse my speech.”