Karnataka MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga has stirred up a controversy with his recent remarks about actress Rashmika Mandanna. The MLA questioned whether Rashmika should be "taught a lesson" for allegedly declining multiple invitations to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival. His comments have sparked a heated debate, drawing attention to the actress's connections to the Kannada film industry.
Rashmika Mandanna, who began her acting career with the Kannada film "Kirik Party," has gained immense popularity across various Indian film industries, including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. Despite her roots in the Kannada film industry, Ravikumar accused Rashmika of neglecting her connections to Karnataka and the Kannada language. He claimed that Rashmika refused to attend the film festival, citing her busy schedule in Hyderabad.
Ravikumar's remarks have received mixed reactions from politicians and the public. Some support his sentiment, arguing that artists should acknowledge their roots, while others criticize his comments as unnecessary and aggressive. BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar condemned Ravikumar's remarks, emphasizing that every citizen, including actresses, has the right to choose their engagements.
In response to the allegations, a source close to Rashmika Mandanna denied the claims, calling them "completely false." The source clarified that Rashmika did not make any derogatory statements about Karnataka or the film festival. As the controversy continues, it highlights broader issues of regional pride, the responsibilities of public figures, and the influence of politics on the entertainment industry.