Congress MLA Criticizes Rashmika Mandanna for ‘Ignoring’ Kannada Roots

Quick Summary

• Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga criticized actress Rashmika Mandanna for allegedly disregarding Kannada cinema and culture.
• Ganiga claimed Rashmika refused to attend KarnatakaS International Film Festival, stating she lacked time and did not know where Karnataka was, despite owning a house in Hyderabad.
• He alleged further refusals by the actress to participate in legislator-invited events and hinted at whether she should “be taught a lesson.”
• Rashmika has previously denied any ban from Kannada cinema and expressed respect for the industry.
• Professionally, Rashmika is enjoying massive success; her latest film Chhaava has grossed over ₹600 crore worldwide, making it India’s highest-grossing film of 2025 so far.
• Upcoming projects include sikandar with Salman Khan (releasing on Eid),and also films like The Girlfriend,Kubera,and Animal Park.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The remarks made by Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga against Rashmika Mandanna underline the ongoing tension between regional affiliations and individual professional choices in India’s entertainment industry. While his criticisms stem from perceived neglect of Kannada culture, they starkly contrast with rashmika’s contributions to different film industries across India. These comments raise questions about the expectations placed on public figures regarding cultural loyalty.

Rashmika’s denial of disrespect toward Kannada cinema invites consideration that actors frequently navigate complex career decisions to expand their reach beyond regional boundaries. Her commercial success with pan-Indian hits like Chhaava reflects this dynamic shift within Indian cinema toward integration rather than rigid regional positioning. For political figures like Ganiga, addressing such issues sensitively would be meaningful in fostering inclusivity while respecting cultural identities.