Hindi film star Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday expressed his willingness to act as a “brand ambassador” of Gujarat and lend his “face and voice” to special documentaries to promote tourism and other developmental activities in the State.

The veteran actor came here to participate in a special screening of his recent film Paa for Gujarat State Cabinet and other dignitaries. Mr. Bachchan paid a courtesy call on the Chief Minister before the screening.

Mr. Bachchan said he was “highly impressed” by Gujarat’s development and felt like coming to the State “over and over again.”

Seeing his willingness to act as a brand ambassador, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the State government would take an initiative soon in preparing special documentaries with Mr. Bachchan to promote the State’s progress in various fields.

In reply to a question by media persons whether he would like to act as a brand ambassador for Gujarat as he did for Uttar Pradesh in the past, Mr. Bachchan replied in the affirmative.

An elated Mr. Modi announced on the spot to take advantage of the superstar’s assurance.
Mr. Bachchan said he had specially come to Gujarat to personally show Mr. Modi the film Paa as it concerned a very serious medical condition involving children, and expected the State government to give the film tax exemption to ensure wider viewing.

Earlier, Bachchan gifted Modi a copy of ‘Madhushala’ (A tavern), a collection of quatrains by his late father Harivansh Rai Bachchan.

Bachchan said, “The main motive of my visit is to promote my film ‘Paa’ which deals with many sensitive issues and I wish Gujarat government makes the film tax free”.

Modi thanked Bachchan for his offer to promote Gujarat tourism and said Hindi films were a major influence on Indian society. Calling Bachchan the “Mahanayak” of this phenomenon, Modi said, “I myself am influenced by Bachchan, after all I am a common man”.

Big B, clad in black Jodhpuris, was very diplomatic when media asked him, “Do you think Modi is Big B of politics?” He said, “I can’t compare myself with Modi. Inke baare main kya bolu. (what can I say about this man )” which left Modi blushing. “He is doing a good job as a chief minister in Gujarat. His efforts are commendable,” he said