Congress MLA criticizes Rashmika Mandanna for skipping Bengaluru Film Festival

Karnataka Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga has criticized actress Rashmika Mandanna for allegedly refusing to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The Mandya legislator questioned whether the actress should face consequences for ignoring the industry where she began her career.

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna’s injury sparks debate at ‘Chhaava’ trailer launch

Ganiga claimed Rashmika, who made her debut in the Kannada film Kirik Party (2016), had been invited multiple times but declined, citing her busy schedule and her Hyderabad residence. He accused her of disregarding Karnataka and the Kannada film industry, despite rising to fame through it.

“She said she has no time and doesn’t know where Karnataka is. One of our legislator friends visited her home 10–12 times, but she still refused,” Ganiga alleged. “Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?”

However, BJP leaders condemned Ganiga’s remarks. Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar called him a "pompous" MLA and defended Rashmika’s right to make personal choices.

The controversy comes after Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar criticized Kannada film actors for skipping the festival’s inauguration. He warned the film industry, stressing that cinema thrives on government support.