Mysore Sandal Soap Relaunch Triggers Backlash Over Tamanna Bhatia Appointment As Brand Ambassador

A 108-year-old Karnataka icon is at the centre of a fresh political storm. Mysore Sandal Soap is being relaunched with big expansion plans, but the choice of actor Tamanna Bhatia as brand ambassador has triggered a sharp backlash. The Congress government says the Mumbai-born star was chosen for her pan-India appeal and massive social media reach as Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited targets a turnover of ₹5,000 crore by 2030. The BJP, however, has accused the government of ignoring Kannada talent and insulting regional pride, calling the decision anti-Kannada. Congress leaders insist it is a purely business decision aimed at taking the heritage brand beyond Karnataka. What was meant to be a corporate makeover has now turned into a full-blown political controversy.