Kannada star Ramya reacts to Rashmika Mandanna row: Stop trolling her

Ramya, who spoke in a panel discussion during the 16the Bengaluru International Film Festival, said that artistes who face extensive trolling on social media could suffer from poor mental health

Actor Ramya, popularly known as the ‘Sandalwood Queen‘, reacted to the recent backlash received by Pushpa 2 Rashmika Mandanna on social media. Ramya spoke to reporters after speaking in the panel discussion on Women in Cinema: Challenges, Triumphs and the Road Ahead at the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival.

“People should stop the culture of trolling. I see how Rashmika is getting attacked daily, and feel bad about it. She is always at the receiving end,” said the actor-politician. Last month, during the pre-release event of her latest release Chhaava, Rashmika said “She was from Hyderabad.” Her comment irked Kannadigas, who slammed her for “denying her roots“.

Rashmika, who hails from Kodagu district in Karnataka, debuted in the 2016 blockbuster Kannada college drama Kirik Party, directed by Rishab Shetty and starring Rakshit Shetty. The actor has since emerged as a sought-after actor in Telugu and Hindi, having starred in blockbusters such as Pushpa 2and Animal.

Recently, Rashmika was in the limelight for allegedly skipping the BIFFes despite receiving an invitation. Even though the actor’s team reportedly said that the claims of Rashmika declining to attend the festival were false, the issue further strengthened the discord between Kannada film buffs and the actor.

ALSO READ:Rashmika Mandanna: ‘What’s with the vile negativity and hate?’

Ramya came out in support of Rashmika and all women who are subjected to insensitive remarks on social media. “Women are soft targets. Those who troll must understand the mental turmoil women go through,” said Ramya.

Meanwhile, Telugu filmmaker Nandini Reddy, who was part of the panel, also spoke about the importance of mental health. The Oh! Baby director mentioned the developments around the hospitalisation of singer Kalpana Raghavendar and insisted on sensitive reporting from the media. “Just for an attractive YouTube thumbnail or an article headline, you are putting the mental health of an artiste at risk,” she said. Cinematographer Preetha Jayaraman was also part of the discussion.