Karnataka’s Industries Minister M B Patil on Friday addressed the ongoing debate over the selection of actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap, produced by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL).
Responding to criticism, the minister stated that while Bollywood star Deepika Padukone was initially considered for the role, her endorsement fee exceeded the state-run company’s budget.
“Deepika Padukone is a global icon, but her fee was well beyond what KSDL could afford,” said Patil, defending the final choice of Tamannaah Bhatia, a well-known actress with a multilingual appeal. He added that the decision was made after assessing both financial feasibility and brand relevance.
Tamannaah’s appointment sparked debate, with some questioning why a non-Kannada actress was selected to represent the heritage soap brand. The minister clarified that Bhatia’s pan-Indian popularity, along with her strong presence in South Indian cinema, made her a suitable choice for promoting the iconic product.
KSDL is known for its century-old legacy of producing premium sandalwood-based personal care products. This move marks a fresh branding initiative aimed at expanding market reach across India.
