Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has been appointed as Maharashtra’s brand ambassador for tigers, has appealed people to save the big cat’s rapidly dwindling population.
Mr. Bachchan was on a jungle safari in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali East on Tuesday, accompanied by several ministers and politicians. During the trip, one tiger followed the safari bus.
The 72-year-old posted some of the photographs of the tiger on Twitter.
“Chased by a tiger in the heart of Mumbai for 4 kms... what an experience... and for those thinking it was some kind of a joke — the tiger chase,” the “Piku” actor tweeted along with photo evidence.
“In close company of the Big Cat... And this on a road in the heart of the city,” he added.
T 2019 - In close company of the Big Cat .. !! And this on a road in the heart of the city .. >pic.twitter.com/BNH2EZSKvR
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) >October 6, 2015He also shared his thoughts about the campaign for tiger conservation.
“I will consider myself worthy as a brand ambassador when tiger preservation and securing their safety becomes successful. If my voice or face can provide anything good to this initiative, I will pledge myself for it,” Bachchan told reporters at the event.
The ‘Piku’ star took jungle safari and said he had a great time.
“I have been in Mumbai for 65 years. But the safari showed me images that I have never seen before. And these are the things that makes me work for it. What makes me proud is that in the middle of the city, there is a national park which is a miracle and we have to save it.”
Bachchan revealed Maharashtra is home to the largest number of tigers in India.
“When we were moving from 19th to 20th century, the tiger count was 40,000. In 2008, it reduced to 1411. The movement that started after that has made it reach 2226 in number,” he said.
On the occasion, Big B launched two Safari buses at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The event has been organised as a part of ‘Wildlife Week’ celebrations and it was attended by Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
