Kodava National Council Calls for Protection of Rashmika Mandanna
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Synopsis
The Kodava National Council has requested protection for actress Rashmika Mandanna following backlash from Kannada organizations in Karnataka, accusing her of disrespecting the state. The council emphasizes her contributions to cinema and condemns the targeting of her character.
Key Takeaways
- Kodava National Council seeks protection for Rashmika Mandanna.
- Actress criticized for alleged disrespect towards Karnataka.
- Criticism from local MLA sparks controversy.
- Letter highlights Rashmika's contributions to the film industry.
- Condemnation of mental harassment against the actress.
Bengaluru, March 8 (NationPress) In response to backlash from Kannada organizations and activists in Karnataka regarding the alleged disrespect shown by popular actress Rashmika Mandanna towards the state, the Kodava National Council has formally requested protection for her.
Rashmika Mandanna, who is from the Kodava community and the Kodagu region, has been at the center of controversy.
The Council's President, N.U. Nachappa, has sent a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara addressing this issue.
Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga criticized Rashmika, claiming she declined an invitation to the International Film Festival organized by the Karnataka government.
He further accused her of stating that she resides in Hyderabad and is unaware of Karnataka’s location.
In light of these remarks, many Kannada organizations and activists have condemned Rashmika and demanded an apology from her.
The letter asserted that Rashmika, a member of the Kodava community, has established herself in the Indian film industry through her hard work and commitment. However, some individuals are unfairly targeting her without recognizing her dedication and skill. Subjecting her to mental distress is akin to issuing a threat, the letter elaborated.
It further highlighted that Rashmika is an exceptional actress and deserves respect for her personal choices and freedoms. She should not be coerced into complying with others' wishes. Such pressure should be viewed as Kodava phobia and recognized as an attack on her community through her.
The letter expressed disappointment over the criticism from an MLA representing Mandya, a region that reveres the Cauvery River. It pointed out that Rashmika, from Kodagu—the birthplace of the Cauvery River—is metaphorically regarded as the daughter of Goddess Cauvery.
It is regrettable that an elected official, who has pledged to uphold constitutional principles and cater to the public's aspirations, has targeted Rashmika in such an inappropriate manner, the letter concluded.
On March 3, Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga, a dedicated supporter of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, criticized Rashmika for allegedly exhibiting arrogance and disdain towards the Kannada film industry.
Ganiga stated, "Rashmika Mandanna commenced her career in the film industry with the Kannada movie 'Kirik Party'. She was invited to last year’s international film festival. Rashmika claimed that she resides in Hyderabad and does not know where Karnataka is. She also mentioned that she lacks time to attend the film festival."
"One of our (Congress) MLAs visited Rashmika Mandanna's residence personally and requested her numerous times to attend the festival. Despite this, Rashmika, who built her career through Kannada films, displays such arrogance; shouldn't individuals like her be held accountable?" he added.
