Impressed with the superstar Amitabh Bachchan calling upon the people with catchy slogan “kuchch din toh gujaro Gujarat mein” as an ambassador of Gujarat tourism, the Bihar Tourism department has decided to approach silver screen queen of yesteryear Rekha about becoming its brand ambassador.
Interestingly, Amitabh and Rekha starrer films were big hits in seventies and eighties. Rekha is now a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.
Bihar Tourism Minister Javed Iqbal said the Government has given industry status to tourism in view of vast potential of this sector which attracts foreign and Indian tourists in huge number each year. “We have decided to select a personality as brand ambassador who is immensely popular and Rekha is on top of our agenda,” he said.
Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi when asked about it said no proposal so far has been brought before him. “We will definitely think over if such a proposal comes from tourism department and take a decision. If we are able to develop our tourism sector it will help enrich our financial status,” he said.
The Tourism department feels that by projecting Amitabh for Gujarat and Shah Rukh Khan for West Bengal, the tourism in both the State has got a big push. In contrast, Bihar tourism had traditionally been a neglected sector despite the fact that it is a major Buddhist sector and places linked with lord Buddha like Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Vaishali and Pawapuri are favourite destinations for the foreign tourists. But the poor facilities and lack of infrastructure and security had been the biggest handicap in growth of tourism in Bihar.
Meanwhile, the Bihar Government has also exempted Aamir Khan-starrer film PK which has created controversy from entertainment tax after former CM Nitish Kumar watched the movie and suggested that it can be made tax free. CM Manjhi said the Government will also ensure that the film is screened in rural areas also for the benefit of common people across the State. “I wish everybody should watch this hilarious film and understand the game of the thekedars of religion,” said Nitish. Manjhi said he has not seen the movie but are planning to watch it.
