Big B most likely to be the face of ‘Incredible India’

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan who is the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism is the most probable candidate to be the mascot of ‘Incredible India’ after Aamir Khan’s contract for the campaign ended.

"Amitabh Bachchan will be the first choice of the ministry for the job," a Tourism Ministry source was quoted as saying. Actors Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra are also in the fray, the source added.

The source described the veteran actor as a "non-controversial" figure and noted that Gujarat has seen an "upsurge" in tourism after the state hired Big B for its promotion.

The 73-year-old actor, however, said that he has not been approached for the ‘Incredible India’ campaign as yet, but added he would not mind being a part of it, if asked.

“No one has asked me, and neither have I been approached so far. But for state, country and social causes, I shall always be ready to do any kind of work, voluntarily,” the ‘Piku’ actor said.

On Aamir Khan’s removal from the campaign, Amitabh Bachchan said that his contract must have ended. "I think you need to clarify first whether he is being removed because of something that he may have said or it's the end of his contract. I am sure that there must be some kind of difference there. I don't think that people are removed just because they did not agree or said something that is controversial," the actor told PTI.

Aamir Khan’s exit from the 'Incredible India' campaign was shrouded in confusion and it was speculated that the government removed him due to his controversial remarks on “growing intolerance” he made at a function in November last year.

Later, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture clarified that Aamir Khan’s contract with the agency in charge of the campaign has expired.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Aamir Khan said it had been an "honour and a pleasure" for him to be the "Brand Ambassador for the Incredible India campaign for the past 10 years."

"... Whether I am brand ambassador or not, India will remain Incredible, and that's the way it should be," he added.