Rashmika Mandanna has once again found herself at the center of a controversy after Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga from Mandya, Karnataka, accused her of disrespecting the Kannada film industry.
The MLA slammed Rashmika for allegedly refusing to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival, questioning whether she should be “taught a lesson” for disregarding the industry that launched her career.
Ravi Ganiga claimed that Rashmika, who made her debut with Kirik Party (2016) in Kannada cinema, was invited multiple times but refused to attend, reportedly saying she had no time for Karnataka.
“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.’ One of our legislator friends visited her house 10–12 times to invite her. But she refused and even disregarded Kannada, despite growing up in the industry here. Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?” Ganiga stated.
The BJP was quick to counter Ganiga’s remarks. Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar slammed the Congress MLA, calling him a “pompous overblown Karnataka MLA” and stating that every citizen, including actors, has the right to make their own choices.
This comes amid Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s recent criticism of Kannada film industry figures for not showing up at the Bengaluru International Film Festival’s inauguration.
He hinted at possible consequences, stating that cinema isn’t just for a select few, and that the government plays a crucial role in its growth.
With political pressure mounting and Rashmika yet to respond, the debate over industry loyalty vs. personal choice continues to heat up.
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