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Tamannaah Bhatia's Appointment as Mysore Sandal Soap Ambassador Sparks Cultural Debate in Karnataka

Locals and politicians criticize the choice of a non-Kannadiga celebrity, while the government defends it as a move to boost global reach.

Overview

  • The Karnataka government appointed Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap, a decision worth ₹6.2 crore for two years.
  • Critics, including MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, argue the decision undermines the cultural identity of the iconic Karnataka brand.
  • Protests have emerged over the choice of a non-Kannadiga representative, with calls for local Kannada actors to have been considered instead.
  • Minister M. B. Patil defended the appointment, describing it as a strategic effort to expand the brand's national and international presence.
  • The controversy highlights broader concerns about cultural representation and the use of public funds for such endorsements.