Aamir Khan Removed from Incredible India Campaign by Indian Government?

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who recently faced outrage from his fans and the media over his remarks on intolerance in India, will no longer be the face of the Incredible India Campaign that promotes tourism in different Indian states.

According to a report from Hindustan Times, Khan's contract as the face of the Incredible Indian Campaign has expired; that's why he will no longer be a part of it.

There were several speculations around Khan and the campaign that suggested that he was stripped of his role over comments he made in 2015 about how he and his wife has considered moving out of India because they feel insecure from the rising intolerance. Those, however, appear to be just rumors.

Khan has been featured in a number of blockbuster films like 3 Idiots, PK, Rang De Basanti and Ishq. At the same time, he also did a lot of commercials issued in public interest by the Indian government. After the entire controversy, the actor clarified that neither he nor his wife had any intention of leaving the country and are proud Indians but also added that he still stood by his remark on rising intolerance.

The entire controversy erupted when Amit Malviya, who handles the Information Technology website and social media management cell of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) tweeted:

Aamir Khan removed as brand ambassador of Incredible #India.

— Amit Malviya (@malviyamit) January 6, 2016

The tourism minister Mahesh Sharma later clarified that the ruling party (BJP) had a contract with the McCann Worldwide agency for Athithi Devo Bhava campaign and the agency hired Bollywood star Khan for the job.

"Since the contract with the agency is no more, automatically the arrangement with the actor no longer exists," Sharma added.

When asked about removing him as a brand ambassdor from the Incredible India Campaign, the Dangal actor was quoted by NDTV India as responding:

"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."