Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, March 9: The Kodava National Council has demanded protection for actress Rashmika Mandanna after she faced significant backlash from Kannada organisations and activists in Karnataka over alleged disrespect towards the state.
Rashmika, who hails from the Kodava community and the Kodagu region of Karnataka, became embroiled in controversy following comments by Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga. Ganiga had criticised Rashmika for allegedly declining an invitation to the International Film Festival organised by the Karnataka government. He also accused her of saying that she resides in Hyderabad and does not know where Karnataka is.
In response to the growing criticism, N.U. Nachappa, the President of the Kodava National Council, wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday, seeking protection for the actress. The letter stated that Rashmika, despite being from the Kodava community, has carved a successful career in the Indian film industry through her hard work and dedication.
The council condemned the unwarranted criticism directed at Rashmika, highlighting that she was being subjected to mental harassment. The letter described this behaviour as an attack on her, and by extension, on the Kodava community. It further noted that such actions could be considered as “Kodava phobia.”
The council also emphasised that Rashmika should be allowed to make her own personal choices, and her actions should not be coerced by external pressure. “Rashmika is a talented actress, and her choices and personal liberties should be respected. She cannot be forced to act according to others' directives,” the letter stated.
The letter also took issue with the criticism coming from MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga, who represents Mandya, a region where the Cauvery River is revered. The council pointed out that Rashmika, as a native of Kodagu—the birthplace of the Cauvery River—is metaphorically the "daughter of Goddess Cauvery." It expressed disappointment that an elected representative, who swore to uphold constitutional values, would target Rashmika in such a manner.
On March 3, Congress MLA Ganiga had heavily criticised Rashmika for allegedly displaying arrogance and disregard for the Kannada film industry, despite beginning her career in Kannada cinema with the film Kirik Party. Ganiga accused her of not attending the film festival and allegedly stating that she does not even know where Karnataka is located. He also claimed that despite several personal attempts by one of their MLAs to invite Rashmika to the event, she refused, displaying an attitude of indifference towards the state that helped launch her career.
“Rashmika Mandanna entered the film industry through the Kannada movie Kirik Party,” Ganiga said. “She was invited to last year’s international film festival, but she claimed she lives in Hyderabad and doesn’t know where Karnataka is. She further stated that she didn’t have time to attend the festival.”
Ganiga also added, “One of our (Congress) MLAs went to her house personally and requested her multiple times to attend the festival. Despite this, Rashmika, who made her career through Kannada movies, shows such arrogance. Shouldn’t people like her be taught a lesson?”
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Kodava National Council has called for an end to the attacks on Rashmika and has urged the authorities to ensure her safety, while also advocating for respect towards her achievements and personal choices.