Weeks after Rashmika Mandanna got married to actor Vijay Deverakonda, a rumored audio clip of actress's mom, Suman Mandanna's private conversation began circulating online. On Thursday, Rashmika took to her Instagram handle and issued a strong statement, stating that the clip was edited purposely to tarnish her image. She also warned a legal action against those sharing it.
Rashmika Mandanna's past with Rakshit Shetty
The viral audio reportedly contains Suman Mandanna discussing the issues that arose between Rashmika and her ex-fiancé Rakshit Shetty's family, which led to their split. During a turbulent time in their relationship, Rashmika was allegedly asked to publicly announce that she would quit films post marriage to Rakshit.
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OneIndia quoted her mother stating, “They said this girl is not thinking properly. Even after knowing the situation, you still sent her there. Then they came and created a scene with me. At that time, instead of saying 'Aunty, don't worry, I am with you,' he argued with me. His final condition was that Rashmika should tweet saying she would leave acting after marriage.”
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Suman further said, "What mistake did my young daughter make? The elders started calling. His mother said her mother must come and apologise. Why should I apologise without any reason? I have helped many people in my life…good that they broke up."
According to a report by Kerala Kaumudi, Suman was quoted saying, "In the movie Geetha Govindam, she did an intimate scene, which created a rupture in her relationship with Rakshit. I feel good that they both broke up. Moreover, it was not going to be good for a 35-year-old actor to marry a 21-year-old girl.”
Rashmika Mandanna threatens legal action over viral audio clip
On Thursday, Rashmika issued a strong statement, expressing her frustration over the whole situation. She wrote, “To my dearest people who have been with me through this incredible journey so far. And to others concerned with this matter, it has been 8 years since a sustained campaign of misinformation, harassment, and targeted attacks from a section of the media and individuals online had started against me. I have watched as my words have been taken out of context, as words I never uttered were spun into false narratives, and hate has been amplified for the sake of views, reach, and engagement. All this while, while it pained me and hurt me, I chose patience and silence. I accepted that being in the public eye sometimes comes with unfair criticism, but as long as I remain true to myself and happy, spreading joy around me, things will fall into place. However, what has happened in the last 24 hours crosses a line that can't be ignored.”
She further added, “An old private conversation, believed to be from nearly eight years ago, appears to have been recorded and circulated without the knowledge or consent of those involved. A small portion of that conversation has now been deliberately taken out of context and circulated widely to create yet another discomforting controversy- strategically coinciding with recent developments in my personal life. How far can people go? In doing so, they have dragged my family along with people I share cordial relationships with, who have absolutely nothing to do with this matter, into discomfort. This constitutes a serious invasion of privacy and the circulation of misleading and defamatory material. While we move forward in life, grow, create meaningful work, and spread positivity, it is unfortunate that a few continue to manufacture hate and controversy at the cost of another person's dignity and peace. For eight years, while the attacks were restricted to me, I chose silence. Today, while others are being drawn into this, I cannot stay silent any longer. I choose to draw a boundary.”
Rashmika also warned media outlets, influencers and individuals to remove the clip within 24 hours. She added, "I request all media platforms, influencers and individuals who are circulating this content or related narratives to remove them immediately. You have 24 hours from the time of this statement to do so. Failing this, starting tomorrow, appropriate legal action will be initiated – including the issuance of legal notices to individuals, influencers, digital platforms, or media organisations involved in the continued circulation of defamatory or privacy-violating content, in accordance with applicable law. This step is not taken lightly, but it has become necessary."
The Wedding of 'VIROSH'
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda got married in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur on February 26, followed by a grand reception in Hyderabad on March 2, which saw prominent names from the respective fields of entertainment and politics.