By Louis Chan
AsAmNews National Correspondent
India is reportedly turning to Oscar winning actress Julia Roberts to promote tourism in its country as well as the practice of yoga.
The actress who catapulted to fame with the movie Pretty Woman has been a regular practitioner of both Hinduism and yoga and has considered building a home in India.
Her 2010 movie Eat, Pray, Love featured Roberts playing a recent divorcee who travels the world to rediscover herself. As part of her travels, she spent three months in India where she became in touch with her spirituality.
The India government, will reportedly launch its new media campaign, in hopes the star will attract many of the 745 million worldwide practitioners of yoga to come visit their country.
It’s interesting that a country known for Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa would feel the need to turn to an actress to attract visitors. Apparently the historical figures aren’t enough to interest younger travelers these days and a celebrity touch might be more effective.
Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism based in Nevada, is wholeheartedly supporting the use of Roberts.
Roberts reportedly urged renowned singer-songwriter Taylor Swift to “try yoga to tone her body, calm her mind and help manage stress”. In past interviews, Roberts has been quoted as saying “I’ve received real spiritual satisfaction through Hinduism.”
What do you think about Roberts becoming a new face of India? Would it make you want to visit the country?
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