Railways drops plans to make Big B its icon

The Indian Railways abandoned plans to appoint film actor Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador, following the storm over Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan’s presence with Bachchan at a function at Mumbai last month.

The Indian Railways abandoned plans to appoint film actor Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador, following the storm over Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan’s presence with Bachchan at a function at Mumbai last month.

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A spate of train accidents last winter had prompted the Northern Railways to propose taking Bachchan on board to promote safety awareness on unmanned level crossings.

Bachchan had also given his consent, ministry sources said.

The actor’s photographs were to have been featured in hoardings and pamphlets, besides having him convey safety awareness on television and radio.

“There are no plans to engage Bachchan in advertisement campaigns”, said Anand Swarup Northern Railways spokesman.

Bachchan was also embroiled in a political controversy following his nomination as Gujarat’s brand ambassador.