Rashmika Mandanna, originally from Coorg in Karnataka, first stepped into the film industry through Kannada cinema. However, it was Telugu films that catapulted her to widespread recognition. Over time, some Kannada audiences have accused her of distancing herself from her roots, and a recent remark from the actor has reignited this debate. 

What Rashmika Mandanna said

A video clip from the pre-release event of her upcoming film, Chhaava, has been making the rounds on social media. Addressing the audience, Rashmika stated, "Because I'm from Hyderabad, and I have come alone and today I hope I am a part of all of your family." The audience responded with applause, prompting Rashmika to smile and express her gratitude. 

The brief clip was circulated on Twitter (now X) with the caption: "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." 

Netizens react

This has sparked a flurry of reactions online. Some social media users criticised Rashmika for allegedly attempting to endear herself to the Telugu industry. One user commented, "I just feel she tries to over impress the Telugu audience and Telugu film fraternity and ends up with statements like this." Another remarked, "What an opportunist." 

One comment read, "It's a bigger market, so a smart career choice over loyalty." 

Fans come to Rashmika’s defense 

Several of Rashmika’s supporters stepped in to provide context. A fan shared a 2024 tweet from the actor where she expressed her affection for Coorg, writing, "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!" 

Some also criticised the relentless scrutiny she faces. One user tweeted, "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 for her personal life choice .. so changed her birthplace .. trolled her again .. this is no one should cross limits at this point." Many shared recent interview snippets where Rashmika fondly spoke about Coorg. 

About Rashmika Mandanna

Born to Kodava Hindu parents in Virajpet, Karnataka, Rashmika spent her formative years in Coorg. She debuted in the Kannada film industry with Kirik Party (2016) and gained further recognition with Chamak in 2017. 

Her foray into Telugu cinema began in 2018 with Chalo, and she quickly rose to fame with films like Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, and Sarileru Neekevvaru. The massive success of Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and its sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) cemented her place as a pan-Indian star. In Bollywood, she made her debut with Goodbye (2022) and scored a major hit with Animal.