Karnataka Congress MLA Criticizes Rashmika Mandanna For Disrespecting Kannada Language

March 3, 2025: Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda has sparked controversy by criticizing actress Rashmika Mandanna, accusing her of disregarding the Kannada language and culture. Gowda’s remarks came after an incident where Mandanna allegedly refused an invitation to attend the International Film Festival last year.

According to Gowda, Mandanna, who began her acting career with the Kannada film Kirik Party, declined to attend the event, claiming she didn’t know where Karnataka was and was too busy. “She said, ‘I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I don’t have time. I can’t come.’ Despite growing up in the Kannada film industry, she refused to come, and one of our legislator friends visited her house 10-12 times to invite her,” Gowda said. He further questioned if such behavior should go unchallenged, suggesting that Mandanna should be “taught a lesson.”

The comments have ignited a backlash from several quarters, with the BJP quick to respond. BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar took to social media to condemn the remarks, accusing Gowda of disrespecting the constitution. "You can never separate goon from Rahul Congressman," he wrote on X. "This pompous overblown Karnataka MLA from constitution-waving @RahulGandhi's party wants to 'teach a lesson' to an actress. I want to tell @DKShivakumar and @siddaramaiah to read up on the constitution — every citizen, including an actress, has rights. Don’t forget your goon MLA has obligations to respect the law and the rights of citizens."

The controversy over Mandanna's comments about being from Hyderabad also sparked objections from pro-Kannada groups, leading to a campaign against her. Critics argue that Mandanna, who made her debut in Kannada cinema, should not be disrespecting the language and culture of the state. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President T A Narayan Gowda also voiced his displeasure, warning the actress about the repercussions of her comments.

Mandanna’s comments and the subsequent backlash have highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Kannada-speaking population and those in the state who feel their language and culture are being overlooked. The actress has yet to respond to the growing controversy surrounding her remarks.

The incident serves as a reminder of the sensitive nature of regional identity and the deep connection many people in Karnataka feel toward their language and culture.