Government Considers Actor Rishab Shetty as Coastal Tourism Ambassador; Move Sparks Backlash from Progressives

By Editor

Posted on June 21, 2026

169

Government Considers Actor Rishab Shetty as Coastal Tourism Ambassador; Move Sparks Backlash from Progressives

The state government is actively considering appointing renowned actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty as the official brand ambassador for Coastal Karnataka Tourism. However, this proposal by the Congress-led administration has drawn sharp criticism and dissatisfaction from progressive thinkers and activists across the region.

The debate gained momentum following a high-level coastal tourism review meeting held on Friday at the Committee Room in Vidhana Soudha. Rishab Shetty attended the official session alongside state ministers and senior department officials to discuss development strategies. Shortly after his participation became public, waves of opposition and criticism began flooding social media platforms.

Progressive circles from the coastal belt have taken to social media to voice their strong dissent against the government’s plan to make the Kantara star the face of the region’s tourism. Activists argue that the actor’s appointment is inappropriate due to his perceived right-wing political leanings, asserting that the government’s current line of thinking sends the wrong message.

During the official meeting, Rishab Shetty had actively advocated for the preservation and global promotion of Coastal Karnataka’s traditional folk arts and regional music. He also pointed out that creating single-window clearances and better infrastructure for film shoots in the state would significantly benefit the unified film industries of Kerala, Goa, and Karnataka, turning the coastal stretch into a thriving hub for cinema.