Tamannaah Bhatia appointed new brand ambassador of Mysore Sandal Soap, sparks debate

Bengaluru

Mysore Sandal Soap, a government-owned brand of Karnataka, has appointed the popular multilingual actress Tamannaah Bhatia as its new brand ambassador. The announcement has stirred widespread discussion on social media, with many questioning why Kannada actors were overlooked for the role.

Tamannaah, who has earned fame across India in multiple languages and is known for her glamorous image, has been signed for a two-year contract reportedly worth ₹6.20 crore. The Karnataka government’s decision seems aimed at leveraging her pan-Indian appeal to boost the product’s popularity nationwide.

However, several social media users have expressed disappointment, suggesting that Kannada actresses could have been chosen to represent the iconic state brand instead. The comparison was made to Deepika Padukone, who hails from Karnataka but has found success in Bollywood, noting that the state has talented actresses who deserve such opportunities.

Tamannaah’s recent appearances include special songs in Kannada blockbusters like Jaguar and KGF, as well as Bollywood hits such as Red 2. Her widespread recognition and fan following might have influenced the government's choice.

Despite the controversy, Mysore Sandal Soap expects the partnership with Tamannaah to enhance the brand’s visibility and market presence across India.