Bengaluru: Rashmika Mandanna, one of the leading stars of South Indian cinema, is facing backlash from the Kodava community after claiming she was “probably the first actor” to enter the film industry from Coorg (Kodagu). Her statement, made during a recent interview, has sparked widespread criticism for overlooking other established actors from the region.
In a conversation with Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, Rashmika opened up about her early struggles when she joined the film industry.
“Conversations back home when I got my first paycheck weren’t easy. Because, you know, in the Coorg community, nobody has ever entered the film industry. I think I am the first one in our whole community to have entered the industry. People were extremely judgy,” she said.
However, her remark did not sit well with many from the Kodava community, who were quick to point out that several actors from Coorg had already made their mark long before Rashmika.
Veteran Actor Prema Responds
Renowned Kannada actor Neravanda Prema, a popular name in South Indian cinema during the 1990s and early 2000s, responded with restraint but clarity.
“What is there for me to say? The Kodava community knows the truth. You should ask her (Rashmika) about her version of the statement. What can I say about it?” she told Koduga Express.
She further emphasized that actors from Coorg had paved the way long before Rashmika’s entry into films.
“Before me, there was an actor, Shashikala from Coorg, who played supporting roles. Then I entered the film industry, and later many Kodavas have done well,” said Prema, who has starred in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam films and is a recipient of both the Karnataka State Film Award and Filmfare Best Actress Award.
Social Media Reacts Strongly
The backlash wasn’t limited to industry insiders. Netizens took to YouTube and social media to criticize Rashmika for her “ignorance” of her community’s contribution to cinema.
“She is not the first from Kodava community… before that many artists have acted like Prema, Nidhi Subbaiah, Harshika Poonacha, Tanisha Kuppanda,” wrote one user.
“She is the only actress who tells lies in front of media and people… 100% false statement… Even she was not born when Prema madam acted in OM Kannada movie, who is from Coorg,” another comment read.
One particularly upset fan added:
“Rashmika maybe you are the only one who thinks you made it big. Yes, definitely, but you’ve also forgotten Gulshan Devaiah too has made it big.”
While Rashmika’s statement may have been made in the context of personal experience or perception, the strong reaction underscores the pride the Kodava community holds in its contributions to Indian cinema—contributions that predate the actor’s rise to fame.