Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has officially been appointed the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap by the Karnataka government. According to reports, including from Moneycontrol, the two-year endorsement deal is valued at Rs 6.20 crore. The announcement has drawn mixed reactions, triggering an online debate over the selection of a non-Kannadiga celebrity for a culturally iconic brand.
Social Media Divided Over Government’s Choice
While some applauded the move for aiming at a wider market, many netizens questioned why a local Kannada actress wasn’t chosen instead. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with reactions such as, “Why is a Telugu actress endorsing a Karnataka product?” “Why not give this opportunity to someone like Rukmini Vasanth?”
Some users even argued that local influencers or non-celebrities would be happy to endorse the brand for free, expressing concern over the Rs 6.20 crore expenditure.
Minister MB Patil Breaks Silence on Controversy
Amid the rising criticism, Karnataka’s Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Infrastructure, MB Patil, addressed the issue directly on X. He began by reiterating respect for the Kannada film industry, acknowledging its growing influence: “KSDL has deepest respects and regards for Kannada Film Industry. Some Kannada movies are giving competition to even Bollywood movies.”
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