Overview
- Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd confirmed a two-year deal with the actor and rolled out 60 personal and home-care products at a Bengaluru event following full-page ads.
- Opposition figures and many social media users objected to selecting a non-Kannada actor for the state’s iconic soap, calling for local representation.
- Industries minister M. B. Patil said a committee evaluated five or six candidates, including some from Karnataka, but existing endorsements disqualified several names.
- Patil described the choice as a business decision to expand KSDL in overseas markets, citing targets in West Asia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
- He said Deepika Padukone was considered but was beyond the budget, as social media posts circulated unverified claims about multi-crore fees for the new ambassadorship.