Kolkata: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has agreed to be the brand ambassador of West Bengal on a request from chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
Apparently Banerjee made the request to Khan during a tea on the sidelines of the inaugural function of the 17th Kolkata Film Festival.
"Yes, he has agreed to be the brand ambassador of Bengal," Banerjee told Gulf News, when we enquired to confirm her proposal to Khan and his response.
It is leant that Shah Rukh is said to have agreed to come down to Bengal whenever Chief Minister needs him for the development of the state.
Investor-friendly
He has also promised to enhance the image of the state all over the world and promote it as a investor friendly destination.
This is nothing new, as states tend to rope in superstars to enhance their reach amongst people. Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador of Gujarat and is seen promoting it as a travel destination.
Makkah of culture
Earlier, while inaugurating the 17th Kolkata Film Festival (KFF), the country’s oldest; Khan showered the state with praises and described it as Makkah of culture.
"I really believe in the cinema of Bengal. We have some of the best cinema coming in from this part of the country. I believe that the history of our arts, literature, poetry and films cannot be written, or ever begin without the state of West Bengal," he said.
Ever since Shah Rukh bought the Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, he has been taking special interest in Kolkata and never misses an opportunity to fly down. Though he charges a hefty fee even for a private appearance, the 'badshah' of Bollywood agreed to come down for KFF without charging a rupee.
Cinema of Bengal
Earlier, while inaugurating the 17th Kolkata Film Festival (KFF), the country’s oldest; Khan showered the state with praises and described it as Makkah of culture.
"I really believe in the cinema of Bengal. We have some of the best cinema coming in from this part of the country. I believe that the history of our arts, literature, poetry and films cannot be written, or ever begin without the state of West Bengal," he said.
Ever since Shah Rukh bought the Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, he has been taking special interest in Kolkata and never misses an opportunity to fly down. Though he charges a hefty fee even for a private appearance, the 'badshah' of Bollywood agreed to come down for KFF without charging a rupee.
