Actor Rashmika Mandanna has once again found herself at the centre of controversy after a recent video clip from a pre-release event for her film Chhaava went viral. In the video, Rashmika is heard saying, “Because I’m from Hyderabad, and I have come alone and today I hope I am a part of all of your family.” The statement was met with applause from the audience but has sparked outrage among some of her Kannada fans, who accused her of disowning her roots.
Social Media Backlash
The clip, widely shared on social media without context, has reignited the long-standing debate over Rashmika’s connection to Karnataka. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “I sometimes feel pity for you for receiving unnecessary negativity/targeting from our fellow Kannadigas. But when you make statements like this, I think they are right, and you deserve the backlash.”
‘@iamRashmika, I sometimes feel pity for you for receiving unnecessary negativity/targeting from our fellow Kannadigas. But when you make statements like this I think they are right and you deserve the backlash.#Kannada #Chaava #RashmikaMandanna pic.twitter.com/RBY7RcpHgP — ViratRocky✨️ (@Virat_Rocky18) February 14, 2025
Several users criticized the actor for allegedly distancing herself from her Kannada background. “I just feel she tries to over-impress the Telugu audience and Telugu film fraternity and ends up with statements like this,” a user commented. Others went as far as labeling her an “opportunist.”
Fans Come to Her Defense
However, many of Rashmika’s fans defended her, arguing that her statement was being taken out of context. A supporter pointed out that she has frequently expressed pride in her Coorg roots, sharing an old tweet where Rashmika spoke about her love for the region. “She always claims she is from Coorg & wears Kodava sarees. U people bring out any clip without context & blame her. She meant she is staying in Hyd now, she came from Hyd to Mumbai with a broken foot. Otherwise, 1000 other times she said she’s from Coorg!” another fan wrote.
Critics of the backlash also condemned the constant trolling the actor faces. One user remarked, “It’s a vicious circle … Why will she want an identity from where she gets trolled every day?” Another added, “She decided to do this because you people trolled her for her personal life choices… so changed her birthplace… trolled her again.”
Rashmika’s Journey in Cinema
Born in Virajpet, Karnataka, to Kodava Hindu parents, Rashmika Mandanna began her acting career in Kannada cinema with Kirik Party (2016). She gained recognition with Chamak (2017) before transitioning to Telugu films, where she found widespread fame with hits like Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, and Sarileru Neekevvaru.
Her nationwide breakthrough came with Pushpa: The Rise (2021), followed by its sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024). Rashmika also made her Bollywood debut with Goodbye (2022) and gained mainstream recognition with the blockbuster Animal (2023).
While the debate over her identity continues, Rashmika remains one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, with a pan-India appeal that transcends regional boundaries.