Why no Kannada actress? Karunya Ram questions Tamannaah’s Mysore Sandal Soap endorsement

A heated debate has emerged in Karnataka's entertainment and commercial sectors as Kannada actress Karunya Ram publicly questioned the appointment of Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap. Expressing her discontent on social media, Karunya voiced concerns over the decision, emphasizing the need to prioritize local Kannada talent for promoting native products.

Also Read:Tamannaah’s selection as Mysore Sandal Soap ambassador sparks outrage in Karnataka

Karunya argued that Mysore Sandal Soap, being a source of pride for Kannadigas and a symbol of Karnataka’s cultural heritage, should ideally be represented by a Kannada-speaking actress. She questioned whether there is truly a shortage of local talent to take on such prestigious endorsements, or if external influences are overshadowing regional pride.

ಮೈಸೂರ್ ಸ್ಯಾಂಡಲ್ ಸೋಪ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನ. ಇಂಥಾ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನದ ಪ್ರಚಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಒಬ್ಬ ನಟಿ ಸಿಗಲಿಲ್ವಾ..? ಪರಭಾಷೆಯ ನಟಿಯಿಂದಲೇ ಪ್ರಚಾರ ಬೇಕಾ..? ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಭೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೊರತೆ ಇದೆಯಾ..? ದಯಮಾಡಿ ನಮ್ಮ ನಾಡಿನ ಪ್ರತಿಭೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಮೊದಲ ಆದ್ಯತೆ ಕೊಡಿ 🙏🏻 #kannadaactress#removetammanna#Kannadigaspic.twitter.com/6BEXR77mnD

— Karunya Ram (@Karunya_oficial)

ಮೈಸೂರ್ ಸ್ಯಾಂಡಲ್ ಸೋಪ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನ. ಇಂಥಾ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನದ ಪ್ರಚಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಒಬ್ಬ ನಟಿ ಸಿಗಲಿಲ್ವಾ..? ಪರಭಾಷೆಯ ನಟಿಯಿಂದಲೇ ಪ್ರಚಾರ ಬೇಕಾ..? ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಭೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೊರತೆ ಇದೆಯಾ..? ದಯಮಾಡಿ ನಮ್ಮ ನಾಡಿನ ಪ್ರತಿಭೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಮೊದಲ ಆದ್ಯತೆ ಕೊಡಿ 🙏🏻 #kannadaactress#removetammanna#Kannadigaspic.twitter.com/6BEXR77mnD

— Karunya Ram (@Karunya_oficial) May 24, 2025

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According to Karunya, choosing a non-Kannada actress like Tamannaah for this role not only diminishes the opportunities for homegrown artists but also overlooks the cultural significance of the product. Her statements have ignited a debate on social media, with several users supporting her stand and urging the government and brands to provide more platforms for local talent.

The appointment of Tamannaah Bhatia, a popular actress predominantly known for her work in Telugu and Tamil cinema, as the face of Mysore Sandal Soap has indeed sparked reactions across Karnataka, with many questioning the intent and impact of such a choice. This controversy has now placed the spotlight on inclusivity, regional representation, and the importance of promoting Kannada culture through iconic products.