Latest news with #ProKannada
Deccan Herald
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
'Thug Life' controversy: Kamal Haasan's Kannada remark sparks protest, posters torn and defaced in Karnataka
Actor #KamalHaasan 's statement that #Kannada was born out of #Tamil at a promotional event for his film #ThugLife has sparked controversy. Pro Kannada Organisation #KRV has condemned his remarks, warning of Activists tore down posters of the film.
India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"KSDL was in worst condition before I took charge": Karnataka Minister MB Patil
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 26 (ANI): Karnataka Minister MB Patil on Monday asserted that Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) was in 'worst' condition under the previous government. Speaking to ANI, Patil who holds portfolio of Large and Medium Scale Industries in the state government, emphasised that KSDL was plagued by 'corruption' but now the state government owned company is registering profits. 'Many are appreciating KSDL now, but let me tell you--before I took over, KSDL was in the worst condition. The then chairman had completely destroyed the system through corruption... When I took charge, I brought in an officer and streamlined the entire system using the existing machinery, labourers, and staff. As a result, we increased production by 40 per cent--from Rs 1200 to around 1700 crores. Profits rose from Rs 152 crores to over Rs 400 crores,' MB Patil told ANI. Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) has roped in actor Tammannah Bhatia as a brand ambassador. The decision, however, sparked criticism from some quarters, with many questioning why a Kannada actor was not chosen to represent the iconic state-run brand. Responding to the criticism over the decision, minister added, 'Now when we have built it to the past glory, suddenly everybody remembers Mysore sandals. This decision is a part of the prolonged strategy. It's just one small step toward building a pan-India presence. The committee examined 5 to 6 actresses, and three names were engaged in endorsing some other product. This is a part of business and has nothing to do with Kannada pride. The income from this initiative goes to the company was in bad shape, no one raised their voice. But now, suddenly, everyone's concerned.' Workers of Pro Kannada organisations staged a protest in Bengaluru demanding the removal of actress Tamannah Bhatia as the brand ambassador from Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). The actress has been offered an amount of Rs 6.2 crore to work for the brand. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Centre awaits Karnataka's nod for revised Bengaluru metro phase-2 costs
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal, on Friday said the Central Government will consider the revised cost estimates for Bengaluru Metro Phase-2 only after the Karnataka State Cabinet approves the proposal and submits it formally to the Centre. Also Read - Workers of Pro Kannada organisations stage protest in Bengaluru demanding removal of Tammannah Bhatia as KSDL ambassador The Minister, who was in Bengaluru to review the progress of various urban development schemes, made these remarks during a high-level assessment meeting. According to a statement from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the review also covered issues related to infrastructure planning, water sustainability, and urban reforms. During the meeting, Manohar Lal was briefed on the current status of the metro network in the city. At present, Bengaluru has an operational metro network spanning approximately 75 km, while another 145 km is under active construction. Earlier this year, the Union Government had sanctioned the 45-km Phase-3 corridor, approving a budget of ₹15,600 crore. Also Read - Bengaluru teen, 19, duped of ₹3.7 Crore in investment scam, police launch search for accused: Report The Karnataka government has now put forward a fresh proposal for Phase-3A of the Namma Metro project. This proposed extension, covering 37 km, is estimated to cost ₹28,400 crore. However, the Minister clarified that the cost estimates for Phase-3A must undergo evaluation by an expert body before the Centre can take a decision. Directions for such an assessment have already been issued, he said. Approval for the project hinges on a formal response from the state government. 'Once the proposal is cleared by the State Cabinet and reaches us, we will initiate the process of sanctioning,' the Minister added. Besides metro expansion, Manohar Lal also stressed the urgent need to tackle legacy waste and promote sustainable urban practices. He underscored the importance of reusing treated wastewater to address the rising demand for fresh water in cities. In a push for sustainable urban planning, he advocated for increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) along public transit corridors. Allowing higher FAR, he said, would promote denser development around mass transit hubs, reduce traffic congestion, and boost public transport usage. The Minister also encouraged the Karnataka government to implement necessary reforms to become eligible for the Centre's 'Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI)' scheme for 2025-26. Under this initiative, states can avail of a 50-year, interest-free loan for capital investments beyond existing central schemes. It may be recalled that the Union Cabinet had already approved two key segments of Phase-2 in 2021 — Phase 2A (Central Silk Board to K.R. Puram) and Phase 2B (K.R. Puram to Kempegowda International Airport via Hebbal), which together span 58.19 km. These segments are being implemented at a combined cost of ₹14,788 crore. Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly expand Bengaluru's public transport capacity, offering a vital solution to the city's mounting traffic and connectivity issues.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Workers of Pro Kannada organisations stage protest in Bengaluru demanding removal of Tammannah Bhatia as KSDL ambassador
Workers of Pro Kannada organisations staged protest in Bengaluru demanding the removal of actress Tamannah Bhatia as the brand ambassador from Karnataka Soaps and detergents limited (KSDL). The actress has been offered an amount of ₹6.2 crore to work the brand. Meanwhile, Karnataka Large and medium Industries Minister MB Patil stated that the locals of Karnataka were extremely unhappy with the appointment of actress Tamannah Bhatia as an ambassador of the KSDL products. Also Read - Bengaluru teen, 19, duped of ₹3.7 Crore in investment scam, police launch search for accused: Report Addressing a press conference, Patil said that the matter was not of language, but of earning global and national reputation through work. "I am a person who has a lot of respect for Kannada identity. This is trade, business... and should be promoted to the world and across India," Patil told the media. He further stated that Bhatia had been chosen as the brad ambassador because she had 2.8 crore followers and was the only suitable option, as Rashmika Mandanna had signed elsewhere, while actresses Pooja Hegde and Kiara Advani were not possible and Deepika Padukone would not fit in the budget of KSDL. On May 22, actor Tammannah Bhatia was roped in as a brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). The Karnataka government's decision, however, sparked criticism from some quarters, with many questioning why a Kannada actor was not chosen to represent the iconic state-run brand. Following the backlash, Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil stated that "the decision was made considering the actress's wide appeal, strong digital presence, and her ability to connect with the younger generation." Also Read - BBMP urges Bengaluru residents to report park entry denials, reaffirms extended timings "Our target is to reach Rs5,000 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. Patil further stated that there should be respect for Kannada artists, and people should understand that this was not a tender work done. Meanwhile, on the acting front, Tamannaah will be seen sharing screen space with Sidharth Malhotra in folk thriller 'VVAN,' which is set to be released in theatres on May 15, 2026. As per the makers, VVAN is set in the deep forests of Central India and is described as a mix of ancient legends, hidden temples, and adventure. It has been shot in real forest locations.
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Workers of Pro Kannada organisations stage protest demanding removal of Tammannah Bhatia as KSDL ambassador
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 23 (ANI): Workers of Pro Kannada organisations staged protest in Bengaluru demanding the removal of actress Tamannah Bhatia as the brand ambassador from Karnataka Soaps and detergents limited (KSDL). The actress has been offered an amount of Rs 6.2 crore to work the brand. Meanwhile, Karnataka Large and medium Industries Minister MB Patil stated that the locals of Karnataka were extremely unhappy with the appointment of actress Tamannah Bhatia as an ambassador of the KSDL products. Addressing a press conference, Patil said that the matter was not of language, but of earning global and national reputation through work. 'I am a person who has a lot of respect for Kannada identity. This is trade, business... and should be promoted to the world and across India,' Patil told the media. He further stated that Bhatia had been chosen as the brad ambassador because she had 2.8 crore followers and was the only suitable option, as Rashmika Mandanna had signed elsewhere, while actresses Pooja Hegde and Kiara Advani were not possible and Deepika Padukone would not fit in the budget of KSDL. On May 22, actor Tammannah Bhatia was roped in as a brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). The Karnataka government's decision, however, sparked criticism from some quarters, with many questioning why a Kannada actor was not chosen to represent the iconic state-run brand. Following the backlash, Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil stated that 'the decision was made considering the actress's wide appeal, strong digital presence, and her ability to connect with the younger generation.' 'Our target is to reach Rs5,000 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. Patil further stated that there should be respect for Kannada artists, and people should understand that this was not a tender work done. Meanwhile, on the acting front, Tamannaah will be seen sharing screen space with Sidharth Malhotra in folk thriller 'VVAN,' which is set to be released in theatres on May 15, 2026. As per the makers, VVAN is set in the deep forests of Central India and is described as a mix of ancient legends, hidden temples, and adventure. It has been shot in real forest locations. (ANI)
