Karnataka Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga from the Mandya constituency breathed fire on actress Rashmika Mandanna for allegedly declining the state government’s invitation to the prestigious Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFF). The MLA criticised Rashmika’s disregard for the Kannada film industry and Karnataka state and said that she “must be taught a lesson” for forgetting her roots.
Addressing the media at the Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru, the MLA alleged that a fellow MLA had visited Rashmika’s residence at least 10-12 times to personally invite her to the film festival, but she refused to attend, allegedly saying, “I have my residence in Hyderabad. I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I do not have time to come.” The MLA further warned that such behaviour will have consequences.
Adding to the controversy, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar fumed on the Kannada actors who skipped the film festival’s inaugural ceremony and warned that he knew how to “tighten the nuts and bolts” and when to take action if necessary. DK Shivakumar further mentioned that if a stalwart like Shiva Rajkumar could attend the inauguration despite undergoing cancer treatment, the apathy of the other stars is utterly disappointing.
Rashmika recently landed in a controversy when she said, “I am from Hyderabad,” during Chhaava promotions. The pan-India actress made her silver screen debut with the 2016 Kannada blockbuster Kirik Party, opposite Rakshit Shetty.
Tags MLA Ravi Ganiga Rashmika Mandanna
