Latest news with #Mysore
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
And Mysore pak be like, aiyyo, what did I do?
Radhika has been writing since her college days and has contributed short witty articles to magazines and regional English newspapers. She is a humour blogger and has just published her first e-book of humorous short stories. She is a Piscean which puts her in league with Daniel Craig, and others. Like most Pisceans she is amiable, imaginative and a dreamer - that probably explains the Daniel Craig bit. She could go on about herself forever but she prefers her writing to do the talking. LESS ... MORE So much of pak, pak, pak-ing going on, I tell you! All for a name! That too half of it! And to top it all – a name which has already been changed from its original, to suit the pronunciation standards of people who have no clue how to say it properly! A sweet dish from down south has just been dragged under the microscope for no fault of its own. People from Karnataka recently woke up to the news that their favourite sweet Mysore pak has just been re-named as Mysore shree! Shrieeeeek! Whyyyy? The poor thing was simply minding its own business since donkey's years, in hideous shades of yellow, orange and brown in sweet stalls around the country and suddenly someone thinks its name reminds them of the neighbouring country! Ouch! Who would ever have thought that a dastardly act of terror unleashed in the north of the country would bring about a re-christening, somewhere in the west of the country of a sweet which originated from the south of the country! What a web of convoluted tangles we live in. So, let me tell you a story. A real one. Once upon a time, fairly long ago … ok, in the early 20th C, for those insisting on a time frame, there lived a king – Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, of Mysore. Working in the smoky depths of his large royal kitchen was his talented royal cook, Kakasura Madappa, whose job it was to cook up innovative dishes for the royal dining table. One day, running short of ideas of what to serve, the ingenious chef put his mind to work, and had an aha moment when he put together some gram flour, equal amounts of sugar, unhealthy amounts of pure ghee, and what bubbled up at him from a deep cauldron was a frothy, buttery, melt-in-the-mouth bit of heaven, which he then cut into small rectangle pieces and had them dispatched to the king, on a golden platter. The king, on tasting just a bit of the thing, was instantly transported to paradise and back. Reeling from the heady feeling as if celestial dancers had just done a mesmerising jig on his tongue, he summoned the cook forthwith and asked him, 'Yenappa Madappa, yen idhu adhbutha sihi baksha?' Oi, dude Madappa, what is this amazing sweet? To which the latter, not having had time to give a name to his invention, thought fast on his feet and came up with, 'Mysore paka!' And I like to imagine that he was immediately rewarded with a gold chain from the king's neck. Thus, my friends, was born that most famed sweet from Mysuru, the royal state of Karnataka, a royal sweet that has travelled across the country and far beyond. In its different avatars – the soft, moist, drenched-in-ghee version which slides down your throat like ghee on a hot spoon, or the dry crunchy version with tiny moon-like craters on it, it has withstood the winds of change around the country, and stood strong and proud as Karnataka's gift to the world, a sweet made with and named after the sticky sugar syrup referred to as paaka or paka in Kannada. Point to be noted, m'lord! And now some over-zealous restaurant owner decides to demonstrate his patriotism through an innocuous item on his menu card. Just because the poor guy and many other guys like him are not aware that we southies (unlike the rest of the country who chop off the tail end of words abruptly), like to add a little sing-song alaap to the end of our words and thus Kannad is actually Kannada and Karnatak is really Karnataka! And as for Mysore pak? Definitely not shree, puhleese! All ye movers and shree'kers … just add an aaa to pak and I promise the poor sweet won't remind you of that country, ever! In the meantime, can we chill and have some mysore paka and hot pak-oras please? I would like some chai too, but somehow, it reminds me of China! And we can't have that now, can we? Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Amid row over Tamannaah's appointment as KSDL brand ambassador, Karnataka minister MB Patil says ‘expert panel made decision'
Amid a controversy over appointing actor Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), state Industries Minister M B Patil defended the decision, saying that the appointment was made based on the recommendations of an expert committee. Addressing a news conference, Patil said Monday that the actor was appointed purely on business grounds. 'An expert committee reviewed several factors before making the decision. Some other celebrities were also considered. But since they were under contract with competing brands, they could not be selected,' he said. A day earlier, BJP leaders, including its state president B Y Vijayendra, had questioned the necessity of appointing the actor to promote KSDL products. 'What was the necessity to appoint Tamannaah Bhatia? Who are the experts who recommended her name? Is there no one from our state who qualifies?' he told reporters in Mysuru. The actor was appointed ambassador for a two-year period from May 21, according to a government notification. She will receive a remuneration of Rs 6.2 crore to promote KSDL products during the period. Patil added that proactive measures are being taken to streamline KSDL's operations. 'We have enhanced the production capacity, and the company is now turning a profit. BJP leaders, who were indifferent when KSDL was incurring losses, are now issuing grand statements about protecting the state's interests,' he said, noting that 23 new products have been added to KSDL's lineup, with plans underway to launch dishwashing products and perfumes. Appreciate the intent to revive KSDL but the execution seems like an eyewash. Even from a business point of view especially when the company is dwindling imho Mysore sandal soap is iconic and carries huge legacy it doesn't need a brand ambassador (Amul, Apple, Dove, Amazon) By… — Ramya/Divya Spandana (@divyaspandana) May 26, 2025 Former Congress MP Divya Spandana also expressed her reservations with regard to the decision to appoint Tamannaah, saying that though she appreciated the intent to revive KSDL, 'the execution seems like an eyewash.' She argued that the Mysore Sandal Soap, manufactured by KSDL, is an iconic product and does not need a brand ambassador. 'By taking a non-Kannadiga as a brand ambassador to target the consumer market in the north they have alienated its own people, its core loyal consumer base- the Kannadiga. It fails us especially at a time when we're fighting to retain our Kannada pride,' she said in a post on X.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ramya questions ‘non-Kannadiga' Tamannaah Bhatia's appointment as Mysore Sandal Soap ambassador: ‘So out of touch'
The appointment of Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL)-backed Mysore Sandal Soap has not gone down well. Actor Ramya, aka Divya Spandana, questioned the timing of making a 'non-Kannadiga' brand ambassador at a time when Karnataka was fighting for 'Kannada pride'. (Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia's ₹6.2 crore deal as brand ambassador of Mysore Sandal Soap gets backlash; Karnataka minister defends) Ramya shared her opinion about Tamannah getting appointed the brand ambassador on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, writing, 'Appreciate the intent to revive KSDL but the execution seems like an eyewash. Even from a business point of view especially when the company is dwindling imho Mysore sandal soap is iconic and carries huge legacy it doesn't need a brand ambassador (Amul, Apple, Dove, Amazon).' Ramya also pointed out the obsession with fair skin after Tamannaah's appointment, 'Women have fought for centuries from voting rights to unrealistic beauty standards on runways to skincare to equal pay - and here we're still being told fair skin is aspirational. Mysore sandal soap's strength lies in its relatability - Clearly the ones involved are so out of touch.' A post shared by Ramya|Divya Spandana (@divyaspandana) She also posted a screengrab of an opinion piece she wrote for TOI, in which she highlighted, 'The outrage isn't against Tamannaah – she's merely a celebrity doing her job. It's about us. It's about a state-owned enterprise ignoring the profound, organic connection it already has with its people.' News broke last week that Tamannaah secured a ₹6.2 crore contract with the Karnataka government to serve as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap for two years. The move was met with massive backlash, with many questioning why a Kannada star wasn't roped in for the role. MB Patil, Minister for Commerce & Industries, Infrastructure GoK, defended the decision and stated that the decision to rope her in was taken to penetrate the markets beyond Karnataka.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka appoints Tamannaah Bhatia as Mysore Sandal Soap brand ambassador
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 ₹6.2 crore, news agency PTI reported. (Also Read: 'Wedding gift', says DK Shivakumar as ED probes Parameshwara-Ranya Rao link) 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 as brand ambassador why appoint and promote Hindi ones?" a woman questioned the decision on 'X'. Responding to the criticism, state Commerce and Industries Minister M B Patil on Thursday explained that the decision was taken after much deliberation "to penetrate markets beyond Karnataka aggressively". Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) holds the Kannada film industry in the highest regard, Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Infrastructure Development M B Patil said, noting that some Kannada films are now giving Bollywood tough competition. Speaking about the recent appointment of Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap, Patil clarified that while the brand already enjoys strong recall within Karnataka, the company aims to expand aggressively into markets outside the state. 'Mysore Sandal is a symbol of Karnataka's pride and also a jewel of the nation,' Patil said. 'This was a strategic decision taken independently by the PSU's board after consulting with marketing experts.' Patil explained that selecting a brand ambassador involves careful deliberation and factors such as availability, existing non-compete clauses, social media presence, alignment with the brand, and relevance to the target audience. 'Our vision is to take KSDL's annual revenue to ₹5,000 crore by 2028,' he added according to PTI. (Also Read: Bengaluru's lakes swell after intense rains, over 60 reach full capacity)
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- The Hindu
FAQs on surviving a nuclear attack
I am a survival expert with more than 40 years of experience in survival. I have produced unlimited quantities of content on surviving catastrophes such as earthquake, tsunami, pandemic and fascism. In view of the recent disagreements between India and Pakistan, and on popular demand, I am sharing a handy guide on how to survive a nuclear explosion. Q: Which phone camera is best for shooting a mushroom cloud? A: Most people, when they hear a nuclear explosion, can't resist opening their windows to make an Insta reel with the legendary mushroom cloud as backdrop. The temptation is understandable, since this is likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My advice: don't waste your time on it. Why? Because you can't really see the elegant mushroom shape if you are actually sitting inside that mushroom, can you? Q: Reading is my hobby. How many books can I pack in my evacuation trunk? A: Ideally, your evacuation bag (not trunk) should only contain your passport, three water bottles, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and half a million dollars in cash (just in case the rupee crashes). It's true that with the Internet down, you'll have time on your hands. But resist the temptation to pack 10-12 books. If you must, there is one classic that should take care of all your reading requirements: How to Think and Grow Rich in a Country Ruined by War by Napoleon Hell. It is full of insights, and like war, it never gets old. This column is a satirical take on life and society. Q: I would like to pack some dosa batter in my emergency suitcase. Which brand can best withstand nuclear radiation? A: Sorry, no liquids in the emergency bag (not suitcase). What if your dosa batter leaks and ruins your passport? However, you can pack as much Mysore pak as you like — it contains micronutrients that insulate the pancreas from electromagnetic waves. That's why doctors tell you not to eat Mysore pak for 24 hours before USB ultrasound of abdomen. Q: Once the nuclear dust settles down, I want to tell my pro-war friends, 'I told you so! War has no winners. Admit it, you are all morons!' Is that ok? A: No! You're making a fresh start in life as a nuclear holocaust survivor, and the first thing you want to do is win a petty argument? Every person is entitled to their opinions, even if they are downright stupid and dangerous ones that would likely kill the person holding those opinions. Q: My grandmother says I can protect myself from radiation-induced cancer by regularly drinking a potion made out of ashwagandha, tulsi, brahmi, amla, triphala, turmeric, and licorice root. Will this potion work? A: What about adding cardamom, bitter melon, cumin, gotu kola and Boswellia also to your potion? There may not be any scientific research that says they'll protect you from cancer but that doesn't mean they won't. Make sure not to leave out any Ayurvedic herb sold in the market. Q: I searched on Google Maps for 'nuclear shelters near me'. Nothing came up. What should I do? A: India has a big population. Just because a large section of it likes war doesn't mean the government is obliged to build nuclear shelters for 1.46 billion people. Please remember we are a market economy. If there is demand, the supply will come, and indeed, India already has world class construction firms that are selling ready-to-move in luxury bunkers (currently available only in Gurugram and Jorbagh). These don't come cheap, but history tells us the richer you are, the higher your chances of surviving catastrophe. Q: I am thinking of booking a 5-BHK apartment in an ultra-luxury multipurpose underground shelter. The builder says they have 27 million cubic feet of storage space for stocking essentials and is promising a self-sustained dwelling environment with the 'exact feel of your life above ground' for up to five years. They even showed us a 3D rendition of the bunker. I liked everything except for one thing: there is hardly any natural light coming in the living room. Should I still pay the token amount? A: There are far better builders in India when it comes to promises. Just look around for one who promises natural light in a shelter that's 70 ft. underground. Q: I have an elaborate plan with foolproof protocols and arrangements to survive a nuclear strike. So why am I still feeling stressed out about it? A: As Mike Tyson said, 'Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.' If it was up to me, I would plan on not getting into a fist fight in the first place. The author of this satire, is Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. sampath.g@
