Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra will replace Aamir Khan as new ambassadors of the Incredible India campaign to market the country to tourists abroad.
Actors Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra will replace Aamir Khan as new ambassadors of the Incredible India campaign to market the country to tourists abroad.
Bollywood veteran Mr Bachchan, 73, the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism, had been picked for the position some time ago. His name was reportedly suggested by the Prime Minister's office.
He was recruited directly by the government, unlike actor Aamir Khan, who was removed days after suggesting that India is experiencing growing religious intolerance.
Stressing that he had been the campaign spokesperson for 10 years, Mr Khan had said it was government's prerogative to decide whether they need a brand ambassador for any campaign, and who it would be.
"I respect the decision of the government to discontinue with my services," he had said.
In November, Mr Khan had expressed concern about intolerance being displayed towards minorities. He was attacked on social media by many as "anti-national" for his remarks.
He had said that his wife, Kiran Rao, said she was so concerned about the atmosphere of intolerance that she had wondered out loud about relocating from India.