Rashmika Mandanna is facing backlash for allegedly neglecting the Kannada language and culture. The actress, who recently celebrated the success of her film Chhaava, has been criticized by Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga for not showing enough respect for her roots in Kannada cinema.
At a press conference, Ganiga shared that Rashmika turned down an invitation to the International Film Festival last year. He quoted her as saying, “I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I don’t have time. I can’t come.” This statement upset many of her fans and supporters of Kannada films.
Bengaluru | Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga says, "Rashmika Mandanna, who started her career with the Kannada movie Kirik Party in Karnataka, refused to attend the International Film Festival last year when we invited her. She said, 'I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know… pic.twitter.com/uftmWfrMZ6
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
Ganiga also mentioned that another legislator tried to invite her to events multiple times, but she refused each time. He expressed frustration, asking, “Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?”
Rashmika’s comments at the Chhaava event added to the controversy. While speaking to the audience, she said, “Because I’m from Hyderabad, and I have come alone, today I hope I am a part of all of your family.” Many fans felt this statement made her seem distant from her Kannada roots.
Rashmika is originally from Coorg, Karnataka, and began her acting career with the Kannada film Kirik Party. She gained fame through Telugu films like Geetha Govindam and Pushpa: The Rise, which helped her become a well-known actress across India.
Despite the criticism, Rashmika is enjoying the success of Chhaava, which has become the highest-grossing film in India for 2025, earning over ₹600 crore worldwide. The film features actors like Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna.
Looking ahead, Rashmika will star in Sikandar, an action film directed by AR Murugadoss, alongside Bollywood star Salman Khan. The film is set to release on Eid this year, and fans are excited to see her performance.
As the discussion about her connection to Kannada cinema continues, Rashmika Mandanna’s journey in the film industry remains a hot topic, highlighting the importance of regional identity in Indian cinema