Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday clarified that Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut "were not brand ambassadors" for the International Fleet Review (IFR).
Talking to journalists on the sidelines of the International Maritime Conference, the minister said no contract was signed with the two actors and they were merely invited to the event.
"Brands ambassadors have to sell a brand. They were not brand ambassadors. They were invited," Parrikar said responding to a question.
"There was no contract with them at the defence ministry level," he added.
Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut participated in the opening ceremony of IFR at INS Sathavahana Stadium on Friday, leading to their description as the brand ambassadors of the event in some media reportage.
About 50 navies from across the world are participating in the IFR, the second of its kind and the largest military exercise by India.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app