Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 4: Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga has stirred controversy with his sharp criticism of popular actress Rashmika Mandanna, accusing her of arrogance and disregard for the Kannada film industry.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Ganiga, a staunch supporter of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, reacted strongly to the ongoing row over Kannada film artistes skipping the inauguration of the Bengaluru International Film Festival.
"Rashmika Mandanna entered the film industry through Kannada cinema with ‘Kirik Party.’ She was invited to the film festival last year but claimed she lives in Hyderabad and doesn’t know where Karnataka is. She further stated that she had no time to attend the event," Ganiga alleged.
He further revealed that a Congress MLA personally visited Rashmika’s house multiple times to request her presence at the festival, but she allegedly refused to attend. "Despite making her career in Kannada cinema, she displays such arrogance. Shouldn’t people like her be taught a lesson?" he questioned.
Ganiga also lashed out at the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) President, Narasimhulu, questioning his remarks against Deputy CM Shivakumar.
"Narasimhulu is from Andhra Pradesh. Producers from Andhra made their money here, invested in real estate, and now speak disrespectfully about our Deputy CM. Shouldn’t they be taught a lesson, or should they just be ignored?" he remarked.
He further questioned the absence of film industry representatives at the film festival while they actively participated in Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) matches. "The industry body should have stopped the CCL matches and ensured the artistes attended the festival. Don’t they have that much capacity?" he asked.
Warning the Kannada Film Chamber President, he added, "I ask Narasimhulu to zip his mouth. This is a warning from the people of Karnataka, and it will be the last one."
The controversy erupted after Deputy CM Shivakumar expressed his displeasure over Kannada artistes skipping the event during the festival’s inauguration on March 1.
Criticizing Shivakumar, BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, accused him of having a "toxic mindset."
"Artistes belong to no one. They have the freedom to act at their discretion. If MLAs must bow down to get grants, this is the arrogance displayed by the Deputy CM. He has now openly threatened Kannada artistes on a public platform," Ashoka said.
The row has triggered a political storm, with the Congress and BJP clashing over the Deputy CM’s remarks and the role of Kannada artistes in state-sponsored events.