Bengaluru, July 8: Actress Rashmika Mandanna has been embroiled in a fresh controversy. In an interview, she claimed that she is the first person from the Kodava (Coorg) community to enter films. After this statement, she had to face the anger of her family members and sharp criticism on social media.
Rashmika’s controversial statement
Rashmika said in an interview to journalist Barkha Dutt:
“When I got the first cheque, it was not easy to talk at home because till now no one from the Kodava community had come to the film industry. I think I am the first from this community to come to the industry. People judged me a lot.”
Rashmika’s claim turned out to be wrong
Rashmika’s claim proved to be completely wrong, because many artists from the Kodava community have been active in films before. Prominent names among them are:
Neravanda Prema (Prema): Popular Kannada actress of the 90s.
Sashikala: Has played supporting roles in many films.
Nidhi Subbaiah: Has acted in South Indian films.
Gulshan Devaiah: Active and appreciated actor in Bollywood.
Prema expressed anger
Kodava actress Prema objected to Rashmika’s statement and said:
“What can I say? The Kodava community knows what the truth is. You go and ask the one who has made this claim. There was Sashikala before me, then I came, and many actors have come after us.”
Anger erupted on social media
After Rashmika’s claim, #RashmikaMandanna started trending on Twitter and Instagram. Many users slammed her for not knowing the history and ignoring her roots.
Introduction to Kodava community
The Kodava (Coorg) community, formerly called Kodagu, is a minority tribe of Karnataka. Their language is called Kodava Thakk. This community is known for its rituals, military tradition and culture.
Conclusion
This statement of Rashmika Mandanna has not only proved to be historically incorrect, but with this she has ignored the talents of her own community. Now it remains to be seen whether the actress apologizes or gives clarification on this controversy.