Mumbai:
Taking a cue from Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who got actor Amitabh Bachchan to be the brand ambassador of Gujarat, Mamata Banerjee approached actor Shah Rukh Khan to be the face of West Bengal.
Shah Rukh, who also owns the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, is a frequent visitor to the state. Recently, while at the opening ceremony of 17th Kolkata International Film Festival, he was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. It is believed that after the ceremony, Mamata approached the superstar wooing him to become the brand ambassador of Bengal.
Speaking to media persons at the end of the function, Shah Rukh said, "I have a cricket team in Kolkata and I frequent this city so often. I am also learning Bengali language. I am pleased to represent Bengal as its brand ambassador."
"I feel honoured with the proposal. I was contemplating the decision, but I am keen to support her [Mamata Banerjee] in any way possible," he added.
While leaving for Mumbai, Shah Rukh is understood to have told the Chief Minister that he will tell producers to explore Bengal as a shooting destination for Bollywood films.
A couple of weeks ago, when the Bollywood Badshah came to the city to promote his latest movie Ra-One, he mentioned that he was looking at properties in Kolkata to buy a house.
SRK's tweet last nightAwesome feeling of love in kolkata... got to be in such august company... and mamta didi was so sweet... & the crowds at the airports..