Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan is the new spokesperson of the Indian government's famous Incredible India campaign to market the country to tourists abroad.
The 73-year-old superstar is to receive a letter on Friday, NDTV reports citing its sources.
Amitabh is likely to be informed of his selection for a reported three-year arrangement.
“Amitabh Bachchan will be the first choice of the ministry for the job. A proposal will be sent to him. It will be finalised soon,” The Hindustan Times quoted a senior tourism ministry official.
Aamir Khan was removed from the campaign on Wednesday evening, a day after the Centre decided to not renew Khan’s contract for the flagship scheme to promote tourism in India.
Amir said: "It is the prerogative of the government to decide whether they need a brand ambassador for any campaign, and if so, who that ambassador should be. I respect the decision of the government to discontinue with my services."
Bachchan's name was reportedly suggested by the Indian Prime Minister's Office.
"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," Bachchan said on television channels last night.
