Actress Rashmika Mandanna has found herself at the center of controversy after Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga accused her of neglecting the Kannada language and refusing to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival. However, a source close to the actress has dismissed these claims as “completely false and baseless.”
The controversy began when MLA Ravikumar Gowda alleged that Rashmika refused to attend the prestigious festival despite being invited multiple times. He further claimed that she remarked, “I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I don’t have time,” when approached by a fellow legislator. Expressing strong discontent, he said, “Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?” referring to actors who allegedly disregard their roots.
In response, a source close to Rashmika clarified that these statements are untrue. “The reports suggesting Rashmika refused to attend the festival and made derogatory remarks are false. This statement is issued to present the correct facts and dispel any false narratives,” the source stated.
Rashmika, who hails from Coorg, Karnataka, began her career with the Kannada film Kirik Party and has since risen to fame across multiple industries. The actress recently faced criticism from Kannada fans after her comments at a Chhaava event were perceived as distancing herself from her roots.
Currently, Rashmika is enjoying the success of Chhaava and is gearing up for her next project, Sikandar, where she will star alongside Salman Khan under the direction of AR Murugadoss.