India, May 22 -- The Karnataka government has named actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the state-run company that manufactures the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap.

According to a government order issued on Wednesday, Bhatia will represent the brand for a period of two years and two days, with a remuneration of Rs.6.2 crore.

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However, the decision has sparked criticism from some quarters, with questions being raised over the choice of a non-Kannadiga celebrity to endorse a product deeply rooted in the state's identity.

"When local Kannada young actresses like @AshikaRanganath could be taken ...