‘Let’s pardon her, she’s a young girl’ , Harshika Poonachha reacts to Rashmika's controversial Kodava remark

Kannada actress Harshika Poonacha has come forward in defence of Rashmika Mandanna, following the controversy sparked by Rashmika’s recent remarks about being the first person from the Coorg (Kodava) community to enter the film industry.

Also Read:‘None entered cinema from Coorg before me’: Rashmika’s statement make internet wonder!

Rashmika’s statement, “I feel like no one from the Coorg community had entered the film industry before me” drew widespread criticism online, with many highlighting that several Kodava artists, including Prema, Nidhi Subbaiah, Harshika herself, Tapaswini Poonacha, and Shubra Aiyappa, had already made significant contributions to cinema.

In response to the backlash, Harshika Poonacha offered a balanced and gracious perspective, urging people to show understanding. She said, “Let us pardon her. I like and admire her. We all grew up watching stalwarts like Prema. I don’t know in what context she said it. I’m very proud of her as she is taking the legacy of Kodava community at a global level. I have watched the entire interview. She uses the word Coorg community. I think she meant she has made a name for herself. She’s a young girl. Let’s pardon her.”

While Rashmika has not yet responded to the criticism, voices like Harshika’s have added nuance to the conversation, reminding the public not to rush to judgment.