If appointing a brand ambassador was indeed a necessity, talented Kannada artists who reflect the spirit and pride of Karnataka could have been chosen, says Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.
| Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM
The controversy surrounding the appointment of actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador of Mysore Sandal soap has further escalated with MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who is also the scion of the erstwhile royal family, expressing his indignation over it.
The decision of the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) to appoint Ms. Bhatia as the brand ambassador triggered protests, with activists questioning the need for a non-Kannadiga actress to promote the product, which is a household name in Karnataka.
Mr. Yaduveer said the decision of the government defied logic and was not only irresponsible but also insensitive.
Mr. Yaduveer, who described KSDL as a legacy institution, said it was established in 1916 by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and is a source pride for Karnataka and its people. “Mysore Sandal Soap is not just a product; it is a part of our cultural identity and household heritage, especially for Kannadigas, who have supported and used these products for decades,” said Mr. Yaduveer in a post on X.
To now appoint a non-Kannada actress as the face of this historic brand and to reportedly pay her over ₹6 crore is nothing short of unacceptable, he said, pointing out that if appointing a brand ambassador was indeed a necessity, talented Kannada artists who reflect the spirit and pride of Karnataka could have been chosen, Mr. Yaduveer added.
“After failing to deliver on its guarantee schemes and withholding thousands of crores from the people, the Congress government must now refrain from appointing a non-Kannada actress as the brand ambassador. I strongly urge the State government to immediately cancel this appointment and save ₹6.2 crore of public money,” Mr. Yaduveer said.
Published – May 23, 2025 08:36 pm IST