Congress MLA slams 'Chhaava' actress Rashmika Mandanna

Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga recently criticized actress Rashmika Mandanna for allegedly refusing to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival when she was invited last year. Mandanna, who is currently enjoying the success of Chhaava, has been accused of neglecting the Kannada language and culture.

Ganiga expressed his displeasure, saying that Rashmika needs to be “taught a lesson” for her actions. "Rashmika Mandanna, who began her career with the Kannada film Kirik Party in Karnataka, declined our invitation to attend the International Film Festival last year. She said, 'I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I don’t have time. I can't come,'" Ganiga told the media at Vidhana Soudha on Monday.

He further accused the actress of disrespecting Kannada cinema, stating, "One of our legislative colleagues visited her home 10–12 times to invite her, but she repeatedly refused and even ignored Kannada, despite having grown up in the industry here. Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?"

Rashmika's comments at the Chhaava event earlier also sparked backlash from her Kannada fans, who felt she was distancing herself from her roots. While addressing the crowd, Rashmika said, "Because I'm from Hyderabad, and I have come alone, today I hope I am a part of all of your family." This statement left her Kannada fans disappointed.

Though Rashmika is originally from Coorg in Karnataka, she made her film debut in the Kannada film Kirik Party alongside Rakshit Shetty. However, it was her work in Telugu films such as Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, and Sarileru Neekevvaru that propelled her to fame. She gained nationwide recognition with Pushpa: The Rise, where she starred opposite Allu Arjun.

Rashmika Mandanna's Upcoming Projects

Rashmika is currently enjoying the success of Chhaava, a historical action drama that has become India’s highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, grossing over ₹600 crore worldwide. She will next be seen in Sikandar, an action drama alongside Salman Khan, directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film is set to release this Eid.