MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has declined to be the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal even as an online campaign was launched demanding that he be made the face of the century-old product.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Mr. Yaduveer said as an MP he would do everything to promote Karnataka but it will not be appropriate for him to take up commercial promotion of products.
His remarks have come in the backdrop of growing opposition to the appointment of actor Tamannaah Bhatia as the new face of the iconic brand.
Mr. Yaduveer said he had opposed the choice of Ms. Bhatia as the brand ambassador on the grounds that Mysore Sandal is a Karnataka product and pride of Kannadigas. Hence, the brand ambassador should also be from Karnataka, he added.
Referring to the government’s justification that it wanted to promote the product across India, Mr. Yadueer said there were any number of stars from the film industry, sports, etc, who were known and recognised all over India and they could be selected.
“Besides, it need not only be a woman,” he added.
The recent appointment of Tamannaah Bhatia, who hails from outside Karnataka, sparked online campaigns demanding that Mr. Yaduveer himself be made the brand ambassador. However, he clarified that while he supports promoting Karnataka’s culture and identity, he is not interested in doing so for commercial purposes.
Countering the argument that a non-Kannadiga was chosen to promote the product in North India, Mr. Yaduveer said there are people of Karnataka from the film industry, sports, and other fields who are known across India.
In response to a question, Mr. Yaduveer said even actor Ramaya who belongs to the Congress has opposed the move and hence the State government should reconsider its decision.
Published – May 25, 2025 07:26 pm IST
