By Hindustan Times
Dilli da puttar Akshay Kumar is the city’s best choice for its brand ambassador. After the Maharashtra government approached actor Hrithik Roshan to be the face of the state, we conducted a survey among 200 young respondents to seek out who the Capital wants as its brand ambassador, and Akki, who grew up within the Capital, emerged the highest contender with a clean 62% sweep. Other top contenders for the spot include actors Aamir Khan (17%), Salman Khan (10%) and Anushka Sharma (6%). Other actors who're endorsing states are Amitabh Bachchan for Gujarat, Shah Rukh Khan for West Bengal and Preity Zinta for Himachal Pradesh.
“Akshay is a Delhiite to the core, and sets an example for all of the state — he made it big with none godfather. So who better than him to symbolize the state?” says Kunal Bhatia, a DU student. “Akshay grew up in Chandni Chowk, which will hook up with him. Moreover, he's also straightforward and straightforward just the way in which Delhiites are,” says Sumedha, a student of Amity college.
The city’s P3 regulars agree. Actor and model Jas Arora says, “It should be Akshay Kumar. He's from Delhi, is an ardent foodie and an entire Punjabi at heart.” Navin Ansal, entrepreneur, says, “Akshay Kumar is your best option as he's from Old Delhi and has the actual Dilliwala spirit.”
Bollywood also involves his support: “Akshay Kumar need to be Delhi’s face, since the city adores him,” says filmmaker Sajid Khan.
Some, however, feel Delhi doesn't desire a celebrity face. “I don’t think a celebrated city like Delhi needs a brand ambassador. And if there should be one, I'D vouch for a standard Dilliwala, like a cab driver,” says Anuja Chauhan, author. Designer Rina Dhaka says, “We should pick an unsung hero who has led to a large change within the city.”
