Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 4: A political storm has erupted in Karnataka following Congress MLA Ravikumar Ganiga’s remarks branding actress Rashmika Mandanna as “arrogant” and “ungrateful.” His criticism stems from Mandanna’s absence at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, a decision that has now turned into a contentious debate involving politicians and the film industry.
Ganiga accused Mandanna of disregarding Karnataka, stating, “She began her career with the Kannada film 'Kirik Party' but later claimed she resides in Hyderabad and doesn’t know where Karnataka is. Last year, she declined an invitation to the festival, citing a lack of time.”
His comments sparked backlash, with Congress MLA and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s advisor, A.S. Ponnanna, strongly defending Mandanna. “We live in a constitutional democracy where individual freedom is a fundamental right. Rashmika Mandanna has as much right as anyone, including MLA Ganiga, to decide where she wants to go,” Ponnanna asserted.
Ponnanna also criticized the language used against Mandanna, emphasizing that participation in any event is her personal choice. Notably, both Ponnanna and Mandanna hail from Karnataka’s Kodagu region and belong to the Kodava community.
Undeterred, Ganiga doubled down on his stance, insisting he had proof of the official invitation sent to Mandanna for the previous year’s festival. “This is our challenge. We can show that she was invited. This isn’t personal; it reflects the sentiment of Kannada people. Rashmika Mandanna used the Kannada audience as a stepping stone and then displayed arrogance,” he argued.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also weighed in, stating that the film industry cannot thrive without government and public support. “If artistes don’t show up to promote their own films, should we be responsible for that too? Whether there were lapses in invitations is a separate matter, but ultimately, this festival was for them,” he stated, adding, “We can survive without films, but they need the government and the people.”
Veteran filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu countered Shivakumar’s statements, warning that the industry could easily relocate. “The Kannada film industry has always supported the state’s causes. If artistes did not attend, perhaps they were not invited properly. But threatening the industry? We can move to places like Uttar Pradesh or Jammu and Kashmir, where governments offer better incentives. Shivakumar should retract his words,” he declared.
The controversy continues to unfold, highlighting the growing rift between political figures and the film industry in Karnataka.