₹6.20 cr brand deal: MP Dr K Sudhakar slams govt over Tamannaah choice

BJP MP Dr K Sudhakar accuses Congress government of sidelining Kannada film stars by appointing Tamannaah as Mysore Sandal brand ambassador for two years, calling it an insult to Kannada pride and identity.

The Karnataka government’s decision to appoint popular film actor Tamannaah as the brand ambassador of the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap has triggered sharp political reactions, with BJP MP Dr K Sudhakar launching a scathing attack on the Congress-led state government.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Dr Sudhakar accused the government of displaying an “anti-Kannada mindset” by overlooking talented Kannada film personalities and choosing an actor from outside the state. He questioned whether the Congress government could not find a suitable Kannada film star to represent one of Karnataka’s most celebrated international brands.

ನಾಡದ್ರೋಹಿ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಸಿನಿತಾರೆಗಳು ಕಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಕಣ್ಣುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲವೇ?

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಸುಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ಅಂತಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಬ್ರ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಮೈಸೂರು ಸ್ಯಾಂಡಲ್ ಸೋಪ್ ಗೆ ಬ್ರಾಂಡ್ ಅಂಬಾಸಿಡರ್ ನೇಮಿಸಲು ನಮ್ಮದೇ ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಡಿನ ಅನೇಕ ತಾರೆಗಳು ಇದ್ದರೂ ಪರರಾಜ್ಯದ, ಅನ್ಯಭಾಷೆಯ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನಟಿಯೊಬ್ಬರನ್ನು ಕೋಟ್ಯಂತರ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಪೇಮೆಂಟ್ ಕೊಟ್ಟು… pic.twitter.com/bJqmXaPVo9

— Dr Sudhakar K (@DrSudhakar_) February 10, 2026

The MP alleged that this move was yet another example of the Congress party’s disregard for Kannada culture and regional pride. He termed the appointment a serious blow to the identity of Mysore Sandal, a heritage brand deeply associated with Karnataka’s legacy.

According to official details, Tamannaah was appointed as the brand ambassador in April 2025 for a period of two years, with a remuneration of approximately ₹6.20 crore. Dr Sudhakar criticised the government for spending crores of public money while ignoring accomplished Kannada actresses.

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He pointed out that leading Kannada-origin actors such as Ramya, Rashmika Mandanna, Srinidhi Shetty, Pooja Hegde, and Rukmini Vasanth have gained national and international recognition across multiple film industries. He said these artists have consistently carried Karnataka’s identity beyond state borders and deserved the opportunity to represent the brand.

The MP argued that choosing a non-Kannada actor despite the availability of capable Kannada talent amounts not only to neglect of local artists but also a disrespect to the legacy and emotional connect of Mysore Sandal with the people of Karnataka.