Actor Rashmika Mandanna has responded strongly to online criticism of her marriage to Vijay Deverakonda, making it clear that public opinion will not dictate how they live their lives together.
The couple’s appearance on Koffee With Karan sparked a wave of social media discussions, with some users questioning their views on marriage and offering unsolicited advice about their relationship. Addressing the backlash in a lengthy statement, Rashmika said the debate had crossed the line from differing opinions into personal attacks.
The actor acknowledged that she generally avoids online confrontations because people are entitled to their views. However, she felt compelled to speak out when the conversation began to resemble what she described as an angry crowd looking for someone to target.
Rashmika explains why she would choose Vijay again
One of the points that attracted attention was Rashmika’s response when discussing how many times she would choose Vijay as her life partner.
Clarifying the context, she explained that Vijay had wanted them to take their time, understand one another and carefully consider the future they hoped to build. She said she approached the decision more emotionally, while he tended to think through the practical aspects.
According to Rashmika, their contrasting personalities work in their favour rather than create a problem.
She also argued that marriage should not be judged by conventional romantic gestures, such as proposals or rings, but by the commitment two people make to building a life together.
Addressing the question about choosing Vijay repeatedly, she said she would make the same decision a thousand times, adding that 100 times would not be enough.
Rashmika also pushed back against the idea that being deeply devoted to one's partner should invite criticism. She described Vijay as her closest companion and the person with whom she hopes to share life's milestones, raise a family and grow old.
Actor says Vijay stood by her during difficult times
Rashmika also addressed women who had posted videos advising her to reconsider her relationship. While recognising that some may have been expressing concern, she questioned how people could reach firm conclusions about a marriage without knowing the couple's personal experiences.
She recalled going through difficult periods in the past and said Vijay had been there for her when she needed support.
The actor referred to his presence during health-related difficulties, hospital visits and moments of anxiety, describing him as the person she turns to when she feels overwhelmed.
She said she was happier and more content than ever, adding that she hoped people would judge her circumstances by her own words rather than edited clips and online interpretations.
Rashmika also made it clear that she was not asking everyone to adopt her views. Instead, she expressed the hope that people would find relationships and lives that made them happy.
“Bullying dressed up as feminism”
The actor took particular exception to comments involving her family, saying criticism directed at her was different from making assumptions about relatives who were not part of the discussion.
She rejected the idea that such behaviour represented feminism, describing it instead as bullying presented under that label.
For Rashmika, feminism means having the freedom to make personal decisions and accepting responsibility for those choices, rather than putting others down or claiming superiority over another gender.
She also expressed gratitude to her Kannadiga fans for continuing to support her over the past decade.
Vijay Deverakonda shares a message of support
Following Rashmika’s statement, Vijay also shared a personal message celebrating his wife and their relationship.
Calling her his best friend and wife, the actor described their bond as one of the most beautiful parts of his life.
Together, the couple’s responses conveyed a clear message: they are comfortable with the choices they have made and do not believe their marriage needs to conform to expectations set by strangers online.
The episode featuring Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda is available to stream on JioHotstar.
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