Tamanna Appointed as KSDL's Brand Ambassador
Bengaluru: Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil on Thursday stated that actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL). The move is aimed at expanding the global reach of the prestigious state-owned enterprise. The minister stated that the decision was made considering the actress's wide appeal, strong digital presence, and her ability to connect with the younger generation.
Responding to objections raised by certain quarters, Minister Patil described the appointment of Tamannaah as a thoughtful and research-backed decision. She has been signed as the brand ambassador for a period of two years, for which she will be paid ₹6.2 crore.
In the financial year 2024–25, KSDL recorded an impressive turnover of ₹1,785.99 crore, out of which around ₹1,430 crore—approximately 80%—was generated from six key states: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra. 'Our target is to reach ₹5,000 crore in sales by 2030, and in this context, a strong marketing strategy becomes vital. This appointment was made based on recommendations from marketing experts,' he highlighted.
'Other leading celebrities such as Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Pooja Hegde, and Kiara Advani were also considered. However, after evaluating factors like ongoing brand endorsements, availability, and associated costs, Tamannaah was selected for her strong pan-India appeal, reasonable engagement terms, and remarkable digital reach with over 28 million followers,' Patil said. Marketing experts felt that her persona resonates well with younger audiences and aligns with KSDL's brand values of quality, heritage, and contemporary relevance.
He further added, 'It is important to note that this endorsement is only one part of a much broader strategic transformation currently underway at KSDL.' Highlighting KSDL's commitment to local employment, the minister pointed out that 89% of its workforce comprises Kannadigas. The enterprise is not only profitable but has also been contributing dividends to the Government of Karnataka, thereby supporting the state's development. Efforts are being made to expand into Middle Eastern and European markets. As part of its strategy, 435 new distributors are being appointed to strengthen KSDL's pan-India and international distribution network. Simultaneously, steps are being taken to enter modern trade and e-commerce channels, with a focused target of ₹500 crore, along with an export goal of ₹150 crore to improve global reach, he explained.
'It is a matter of pride that a government enterprise like KSDL has grown to the extent of establishing a unit in Vijayapura. We are also working on improving packaging appeal to enhance the brand's value,' the minister added.
KSDL Chairman Appaji Nadagouda said that a strong and suitable strategy is crucial for expanding the brand in North India and global markets. Tamannaah's appointment is based purely on marketing criteria, and the government is committed to taking this 109-year-old state enterprise to even greater heights.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ange Postecoglou Sacked: Tottenham Hotspur make surprise move, remove manager despite first major trophy in 17 years
Ange Postecoglou (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on Friday announced the dismissal of their manager Ange Postecoglou, shortly after the Australian guided the side to their first trophy in 17 years through the Europa League triumph. The victory over Manchester United with a 1-0 scoreline in Bilbao marked Tottenham's first European success in 41 years, additionally securing them a Champions League spot for the upcoming season. However, the club's dismal domestic performance, their worst since the 1976-77 relegation season, resulted in Postecoglou's departure. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties," according to a statement posted on Tottenham's official X account. The Australian's tenure ended precisely two years after his appointment from Celtic, with chairman Daniel Levy making the final decision. The club's Premier League campaign concluded with 22 defeats from 38 matches, placing them 17th, just above Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton, who faced relegation. "The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place," the statement continued. "Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph."
India Gazette
39 minutes ago
- India Gazette
After Indigo, Akasa partners with Navi Mumbai Airport for commercial flights
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 6 (ANI): Akasa Air on Friday announced its partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) to commence commercial flight operations from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). A joint statement said Akasa Air will initially operate 100+ weekly domestic departures, scaling up to 300+ domestic and over 50+ international departures weekly in the winter schedule. As part of its broader network strategy, the airline is also set to ramp up to 10 parking bases by the end of 2026-27, with a focused international expansion into key Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets. Recently, Indigo had also partnered with Adani Group for operating commercial flights from the newly built Navi Mumbai airport. Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said: 'Our foray into Navi Mumbai International Airport is a strategic step aligned with Akasa Air's long-term vision to build a future-ready airline that is responsive to the evolving needs of Indian travellers. No airline in India will have a larger percentage of its fleet and operations based out of NMIA than Akasa Air.' 'Enhanced connectivity from Navi Mumbai will not only strengthen our network in the western region but also help fuel India's economic engine by improving connectivity, stimulating regional development, and ensuring that the benefits of aviation-led growth reach every corner of the country. This move supports our commitment to supplement existing capacities, unlock new demand centres, and enable sustainable growth,' Dube added. 'NMIA represents the future of Indian aviation, and our presence from the outset aligns with our vision to serve India's emerging demand with agility, accessibility, and customer-first innovation. We appreciate our continued partnership with Adani Airports, offering expanded connectivity from this state-of-the-art airport while supporting the broader goal of regional and national aviation growth across our nation', Dube added. Arun Bansal, CEO, AAHL, added: 'We are pleased to welcome Akasa Air as one of the inaugural airline partners at Navi Mumbai International Airport. Their rapid growth and forward-looking approach make them an ideal partner in NMIA's journey to becoming a key domestic and international hub. Our collaboration aims to offer a seamless and enhanced travel experience for millions, with NMIA playing a central role in reshaping Mumbai's air connectivity ecosystem.' In its initial phase, Navi Mumbai Airport will handle 20 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually, with ultimate capacity expanding to 90 million passengers and 3.2 MMT cargo. The launch of Navi Mumbai airport will create a dual-airport system for the country's financial capital, enabling the decongestion of Mumbai airport and enhancing the overall passenger experience. The airport spans over 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres) of land. In March 2025, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani visited the Navi Mumbai airport site, which is almost ready for operations. Adani Group earlier hinted that it plans to inaugurate the Navi Mumbai airport in the first half of 2025. The greenfield Navi Mumbai airport will have two parallel runways, enabling two aircraft to land and take off simultaneously. The Navi Mumbai airport features a 3,700-meter runway capable of handling large commercial aircraft. Adani Airport Holdings Limited was incorporated in 2019 as a 100 per cent subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, the flagship company of the Adani Group. The Adani Group made its maiden venture into the airports sector by emerging as the highest bidder for the operation, management, and development of six airports: Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram. It also signed concession agreements with the Airport Authority of India for all six airports. The already operational airport in Mumbai is also an Adani airport. (ANI)
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
NATO boosts defence budget, but US carries largest burden
On June 5, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Secretary General Mark Rutte announced an ambitious new defence spending target for all members, including the United States. The proposed target sets total defence investments at five per cent of GDP, comprising 3.5 per cent for core defence capabilities and 1.5 per cent for defence- and security-related investments such as infrastructure and announcement aligns with US President Donald Trump's longstanding call for NATO allies to increase their defence spending to five per cent, aiming to close existing capability gaps, strengthen deterrence, and prepare for emerging global EXPENDITUREAccording to the NATO Defence Expenditure report (2014-2024), defence spending among NATO member countries has increased significantly over the past decade. The United States remains the largest spender, with an estimated defence expenditure of $755 billion in 2024 — 3.4 per cent of its GDP — marking a 14.3 per cent increase since 2014. Notably, Poland has shown the highest growth rate of 213.7 per cent, increasing its defence budget from $8.6 billion in 2014 to an estimated $26.8 billion in 2024, now accounting for 4.12 per cent of its GDP. Other countries like Turkey and the Netherlands have also more than doubled their defence spending, with growth rates of 128.7 and 113.9 per cent, MANY MEET 2% SPENDING?Till now, NATO members have been required to spend at least two per cent of their GDP on defence to meet the alliance's guidelines. But in reality, not all of them spent that much. The number of NATO allies meeting the two per cent target, however, has steadily increased alongside the growth in total member 2014, only three out of 28 members (11 per cent) met the target. By 2020, 30 per cent of allies were spending at least two per cent of their GDP on defence. This number rose sharply to 23 out of 32 members (72 per cent) by 2024. During this period, the alliance expanded with Montenegro joining in 2017, North Macedonia in 2020, Finland in 2023, and Sweden in 2024, contributing to the increase in total SPENDS MORE?In January this year, the Trump administration urged NATO allies to significantly increase their spending, emphasising that European nations should take primary responsibility for their total defence expenditure has steadily increased over the past decade, rising from $910 billion in 2014 to an estimated $1,185 billion in 2024, based on 2015 prices and exchange rates. While the United States remains the largest contributor, accounting for around 73 per cent of NATO's total defence spending in 2014, its share is gradually decreasing. By 2024, the US is projected to contribute about 64 per cent of the total defence expenditure, amounting to $755 the same time, defence spending by European allies and Canada increased from $250 billion to an estimated $430 billion, although this amount remains lower than US spending. Despite the increase in defence spending, some NATO countries still fall short of the two per cent GDP target. The question is whether the recent rise in spending is largely driven by pressure from Trump, as the US is the largest contributor to NATO's Watch
