A Dhoni Soap Opera

The froth over the cricketer’s soap endorsement dispute is unlikely to settle soon

BANGALORE ~ The appointment of an Upa Lokayukta in Karnataka has had the odd fallout of putting Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a legal niggle. When he was still a rising star, Dhoni had been signed on by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd, a state-run soap maker, for its Mysore Sandal Soap brand. According to the Rs 84.9 lakh deal to be executed over 2006-2008, Dhoni was to set aside 10 days per year for product promotion. Two weeks before the contract expired, KS&DL terminated it, alleging that Dhoni made himself available for just three days in the first year and then didn’t turn up for any events or shoots. Year 2007, it will be remembered, was when Dhoni led India to the T20 World Cup win and became the hottest property in Indian cricket. The company slapped the notice on him on 20 December 2007, stating that besides withholding Rs 21 lakh, it was also claiming damages worth Rs 41 lakh.

Dhoni denied the allegations, forcing the Karnataka High Court to appoint Justice R Gururajan as arbitrator. The proceedings were nearing completion when Justice Gururajan was appointed Karnataka’s Upa Lokayukta a fortnight ago. He has now withdrawn from the case.

The development is expected to delay any settlement as both parties are keen to approach the High Court again. KS&DL says it was forced to approach the court as neither Dhoni nor his then agent, Gameplan, replied to the notice. “Dhoni was paid Rs 64.4 lakh and the balance was to be paid after he made himself available,’’ says a company spokesperson.

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Anil Budur Lulla