Tamannaah Bhatia trolled for Mysore Sandal Soap Ad: Netizens question Govt’s choice

Tamannaah Bhatia, one of India’s leading actresses with a pan-India presence, has found herself in the middle of a social media storm after being named the brand ambassador for the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap. While the announcement was meant to be a celebratory moment in her career, it has unexpectedly drawn criticism from a section of netizens questioning the Karnataka government’s choice.

The Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), which manufactures Mysore Sandal Soap, signed a two-year contract worth Rs 6.2 crore with Tamannaah. But soon after the news went public, many social media users expressed disappointment over the decision to select a non-Kannada actress to represent a brand that carries deep cultural roots in the state.

Mysore Sandal Soap, manufactured since 1916, was originally established by the King of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV. Today, it is not just a product but a symbol of Karnataka’s heritage. This emotional connection is what sparked the strong reactions online.

Users took to X to voice their opinions, tagging Karnataka’s Minister for Commerce & Industries, MB Patil. One user questioned, “Is there a dearth of talent in Sandalwood?” Another suggested local actresses like Ashika Ranganath would have been a better fit, asking the government why homegrown talent was overlooked.

Responding to the criticism, MB Patil clarified the decision through a post on X. He stated that while the brand is already well-known within Karnataka, the aim is to expand its presence outside the state. According to the minister, the choice of Tamannaah was made after consulting with marketing experts, keeping in mind her nationwide appeal. He also revealed that KSDL has a target of reaching Rs 5,000 crore in revenue by 2028, and a broader market strategy is key to achieving that goal.

As the debate continues online, Tamannaah has not issued any public statement regarding the controversy. With both sides standing firm on their views, the conversation around regional representation and commercial decisions remains in the spotlight.

Only time will tell whether this move helps Mysore Sandal Soap grow beyond Karnataka or continues to stir debate.