NDMC wants ‘Munna Bhai’ to be its brand ambassador

Sanjay DuttIn its hunt for a celebrity brand ambassador to promote the Smart City and Swachh Bharat programmes, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has reached out to 56-year-old “Munna Bhai MBBS” star Sanjay Dutt.

Dutt was released from Yerwada Jail in Pune on February 25 after completing his 42-month prison term for illegal possession of arms.

“The NDMC is intensifying its efforts to provide better civic services to citizens as well as visiting patrons. Being a youth icon and a leading personality of our country, your association is sought in its Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart City initiatives,” the civic wrote to Dutt.

The area falling under NDMC’s jurisdiction comprises the territory known as Lutyen’s Delhi and covers the VIP zone that houses the high and mighty in the national capital.

The letter further read: “This collaboration will intensify the NDMC’s efforts to reach out to the public for greater engagement in keeping the city clean, improving civic behaviour in public places and transforming the NDMC into a smart city. Your presence shall have great impact on millions of your fans, including NDMC inhabitants, who will feel motivated and participate in the endeavour”, it said.

When contacted, NDMC Chairman Naresh Kumar said that many eminent personalities were being approached by the council for the role. “We are in talks with several celebrities… However, no final decision has yet been taken,” he said.

NDMC area is among the first 20 cities of the Union Urban Development Ministry’s Smart City initiative, which enables it to receive a funding of Rs 500 crore for various projects.