It is a common belief in India that the tourism in Gujarat has not taken off primarily because of the prohibition policy of the Gujarat. Amitabh Bachchan on Monday accepted the Gujarat government's offer to be the new “brand ambassador” for the State to promote “tourism”; Does he have plans to bring in his famed “Madhushalas” in Gujarat?? Ironically, the greatest ambassador of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi would have swooned at the idea of “madhushala” being promoted to develop Gujarat!
In his letter of acceptance to Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Bachchan said: “You have very graciously considered my appointment as brand ambassador for Gujarat. I accept the offer with great humility. I hope we will be able to work together for the betterment of Gujarat.” While it is always welcome for any person to come and work for the benefit of the State, in the instant case, it started with the tax exemption for his film “Paa”. It is also heard that Amitabh Bachchan has plans to establish a major Film establishment for which he is looking for land in Gujarat. The development is thus not one sided but involves a quid pro quo.
From being a close friend of Rajiv Gandhi, being bailed out by Amar Singh during the ABCL debt-crisis to being a ambassador of Narendra Modi's Government are really very contradictory relations. One may say totally different roles. But then isn't he the greatest actor of all? In Govind Nihalani's film “Dev” he with great élan had played the role of the Police Officer who gave up his life to give justice to a Muslim boy as a sequel to the 2002 Gujarat riots. We may also recall his famous dialogue from that movie when the Chief Minister tells him that the ratio of the deaths of Hindus and Muslims in police firing was not fair. Would Shri Bachchan remember that memorable role of his and also remember that there cannot be any genuine development without peace and justice?
No comments:
Post a Comment