Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday asked actor-MP  Deepak Adhikari, popularly known as Dev, to become the brand ambassador for the state as superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the incumbent post holder, is 'busy'.

During a meeting of the Industrial Promotional Board (IPB) meeting at the state secretariat Nabanna, Banerjee requested Dev to take up the responsibility.

"Why don't we make Dev the brand ambassador of Bengal's tourism? We have Shah Rukh Khan as the ambassador but he is very busy. So I would request Dev to take up the responsibility," said Banerjee leaving the Tollywood actor seemingly surprised.

"Let (film director) Goutam Ghose prepare a video (on tourism) and Dev and others will promote it," she added.

In response, Dev is seen nodding to the proposal with a smile on his face.

At present, Babul Supriyo heads the state's tourism ministry. Notably, Bengal last month bagged the International Travel Award 2023 from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), where it was adjudged the 'Best Destination for Culture' in Berlin.