Ramya backs Rashmika Mandanna as “I am from Hyderabad” backlash grows, urges to end trolling culture: “Women are soft targets”

March 12, 2025 - 10:19 AM IST

Kannada actress and politician Ramya has come forward to support Rashmika Mandanna, who has been facing relentless trolling and backlash over her "I am from Hyderabad" remark. The controversy, which erupted during the promotions of Rashmika’s latest film Chhaava, has sparked heated debates online and drawn criticism from sections of the Kannada audience.

Ramya backs Rashmika Mandanna as “I am from Hyderabad” backlash grows, urges to end trolling culture: “Women are soft targets”

The “I am from Hyderabad” Controversy Explained

Born in Virajpet, Kodagu district of Karnataka, Rashmika began her career in the Kannada film industry with the 2016 hit Kirik Party. However, her comment about Hyderabad—where she currently resides and has built a successful career in Telugu cinema—didn’t sit well with some Kannadigas, who accused her of distancing herself from her Karnataka roots.

The backlash intensified when Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga criticized Rashmika, alleging she refused to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival and had “forgotten her roots.” While Rashmika’s team denied these claims, the controversy snowballed, with trolls targeting her online and pro-Kannada groups expressing disappointment. Amid this uproar, Rashmika posted a cryptic message on social media urging positivity: “Try and keep positive as much as possible, Smile – we only got this one life so live it to the fullest."

Ramya Steps In: “Stop This Culture of Trolling”

Speaking at a panel discussion on women in cinema during the Bengaluru International Film Festival on March 9, 2025, Ramya passionately defended Rashmika. “People should stop this culture of trolling. I see how Rashmika is getting attacked daily and feel bad about it. She is always at the receiving end,” she said. The Katari Veera Surasundarangi star also shed light on the broader impact of social media hate, particularly on women. “Women are soft targets. Those who troll must understand the mental turmoil women go through,” Ramya added, visibly emotional as she recalled her own struggles with mental health after losing her father in 2013.

Speaking of Rashmika, after her Kannada debut, she transitioned to Telugu cinema with films like Geetha Govindam and Pushpa: The Rise, eventually earning nationwide recognition with blockbusters like Animal (2023) and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024). Her latest release, Chhaava, co-starring Vicky Kaushal, has been a box-office success, crossing Rs 700 crore globally as of March 2025.

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna shares exclusive Behind-the-Scenes glimpse from Thama night shoot