Actress Rashmika Mandanna, often called the “National Crush,” is now facing backlash for a controversial statement about her roots. In a recent interview with journalist Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, Rashmika said she was the first person from the Coorg (Kodava) community to enter the film industry.
She shared her struggles with family reactions when she first started acting. “In the Coorg community, nobody had ever entered the film industry. I think I’m the first one. People were extremely judgmental,” she said.
However, her statement didn’t sit well with many people, especially those from the Kodava community. Netizens were quick to point out that actors like Prema and Gulshan Devaiah, who also belong to the Kodava community, have been part of the film industry for years.
Some Kodava community members accused Rashmika of lacking proper knowledge about her own heritage. They criticized her for ignoring the contributions of earlier actors from the region.
Popular Kannada actress Prema responded to the controversy in a calm manner. Speaking to Kodagu Express, she said, “What is there for me to say? The Kodava community knows the truth. You should ask her about what she meant.”
The topic has sparked heated discussions online, with many users calling Rashmika’s statement careless. Some even labeled her “a beauty without brains” for not being aware of her community’s legacy. The issue has now put Rashmika in a tricky spot with her own people.
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