Ravi Ganiga Clarifies His Remarks on Rashmika Mandanna Amid Growing Controversy
Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga sparked controversy by saying that Actress Rashmika Mandanna should be ‘ taught a lesson’ for reportedly disregarding Kannada.
Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga on Monday stated that the actress Rashmika Mandanna has “disregarded” kannada and even refused an invitation from the government to attend an International Film Festival in Bengaluru. He stated, ” Rashmika Mandanna who started her career with the Kannada movie Kirik Party in Karnataka, refused to attend the International Film Festival last year when we invited her. She said” I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I don’t have time. I cant come.” One of our legislator friends visited her house 10-12 times to invite her, but refused and even disregarded Kannada, despite growing up in the industry here. Shouldn’t we teach her a lesson?’
In the stir of the growing controversy surrounding the comments of the Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga on the actress Rashmika Mandanna. Congress MLA has spoken out, by clarifying the air about his earlier statement. The MLA stated ” When I said that I would teach her a lesson, I mean about a life lessons, but I did not mean to attack her, I said do not kick the ladder you have climbed”. He furtherly added that his comments were meant to remind the actress about the importance of respecting the state that had nurtured her. ” RAshmika Mandanna did not come when invited to our state program. I told her that you grew eating state food, so stand up for it.” ” I have seen Rashmika Mandanna’s movie.. I stand by my words. Our state, our land, and the Kannada language must be respected”.He clarified that his intention was never to personally criticize the actress. Following the controversial remarks, the Kodava National Council (KNC), of which actress Rashmika Mandanna is a member, raised serious concerns about her safety.
The Council expressed disappointment over the comments and urged authorities to ensure Mandanna’s security, citing the potential for harassment and threats. In response to the escalating situation, the Kodava National Council, led by President NU Nachappa, condemned the threats made against the actress. Nachappa highlighted that Mandanna, an actress from the indigenous Kodava community, had achieved success in the Indian film industry through hard work and dedication. He further stated, “Some individuals, lacking an understanding of artistic criticism, have been targeting and harassing the actress.” The Kodava community has called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka’s State Home Minister G Parameshwar to take action to ensure Rashmika Mandanna’s safety. A formal letter was sent by the community, condemning the threats and urging quick intervention. The letter emphasized that Mandanna, like everyone else, has the right to make her own decisions and should not be pressured to meet anyone else’s expectations. The statement concluded, “She is not only a remarkable actress but also an individual entitled to make her own choices. No one should be forced to adhere to others’ demands or expectations.” On the professional front, Mandanna was recently seen in the hit films Pushpa 2: The Rule and Chhaava, both of which have been commercially successful.
