Amitabh Bachchan Replaces Aamir Khan in Incredible India Campaign?

Bollwood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is now officially going to replace Aamir Khan to become the new spokesperson of the Indian government's famous Incredible India Campaign. Mr. Bachchan will soon receive a letter from the government stating the course of their arrangement.

Earlier this week, MStars News reported that Khan has been removed from his post of official brand ambassador for Incredible India Campaign. There were several speculations swirling around Khan and the campaign that suggested that he was stripped off from his role because of his comments on the rising intolerance. Those, however, appear to be just rumors.

The tourism minister, Mahesh Sharma, later clarified that the ruling party (BJP) had a contract with the McCann Worldwide agency for the Athithi Devo Bhava campaign and the agency hired Bollywood star Khan for the job.

"Since the contract with the agency is no more, automatically the arrangement with the actor no longer exists," Sharma added.

Mr. Bachchan has been recruited directly by the government, unlike Khan, who was represented by the McCann Erickson ad agency. Khan, who stayed the brand ambassador for more than a decade, said that he respect the government's decision to discontinue his services.

According to NDTV India, Mr. Bachchan, who has served in both Bollywood and Hollywood movies, was suggested by the Prime Minister of India's Office. The megastar was earlier featured in the past for the tourism campaign for Gujarat. When in a recent interview, it was asked to Mr. Bachchan about Khan's removal from the post, the Wazir actor was quoted as stating:

"I think you need to clarify first whether he (Aamir) is being removed because of something that he may have said or it's the end of his contract. ... I don't think that people are removed just because they did not agree or said something that is controversial."

Mr. Bachchan also stated that he has not yet been formally asked by any government agency but if anyone will come to represent the government, the star would consider it.

"Nobody has asked me but if they do, yes, I would be more than willing to. I do a lot of this for a state and country and I will be happy if ever there is offer to do something."