Rashmika Mandanna Faces Backlash Over Claim of Being ‘First Actor’ from Coorg

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has sparked controversy with her recent claim that she was "probably the first actor" to enter the film industry from Coorg. The statement, made during an interview with journalist Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, has upset several members of the Kodava community, who were quick to point out the contributions of other Coorg-origin actors over the years.

In the interview, Rashmika said, “Conversations back home when I got my first paycheck weren’t easy. Because, you know, in the Coorg community, nobody has ever entered the film industry. I think I am the first one in our whole community to have entered the industry. People were extremely judgy.”

However, a quick online search reveals that Coorg has been home to several actors long before Rashmika's rise to fame. Names such as Prema, Varsha Bollamma, Gulshan Devaiah, Nidhi Subbaiah, Harshika Poonacha, and Tanisha Kuppanda were immediately brought up by fans and community members on social media.

Veteran Kannada actor Neravanda Prema, who was active in the 1990s and early 2000s, also weighed in on the matter. When asked about Rashmika’s statement, she told Koduga Express, “What is there for me to say? The Kodava community knows the truth. You should ask her (Rashmika) about her version of the statement. What can I say about it?”

Prema further clarified that she was not the first either. “Before me, there was an actor, Shashikala from Coorg, who played supporting roles. Then I entered the film industry, and later many Kodavas have done well,” she said. Known for her performances across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam cinema, Prema has won accolades including the Karnataka State Film Award and Filmfare Best Actress award.

Rashmika's remark quickly gained attention online, drawing criticism from social media users who accused her of being misinformed or dismissive of those who came before her. One commenter wrote, “She is not the first frm kodava community ...before that many artist have acted like prema, nidhi subbaih, harishika poonacha, tanisha kuppanda.” Another added, “She is only the actress who tell lie in front of media and people … Statement ‘she is the first actress who came from Coorg city…’ 100% false statement… Thr was more then 5 to 6 actress who came from coorg …. Even she not born when ‘Prema madam’ act in OM Kannada movie who from Coorg.”

A disappointed fan also mentioned actor Gulshan Devaiah, stating, “Rashmika maybe you are the only one who thinks u made it big. Yes definitely but u have also forgotten Gulshan devaiah too has made it big.”

While Rashmika Mandanna remains one of the most prominent contemporary actors from Coorg, her comments have inadvertently reopened a dialogue about recognition and representation within the Kodava artistic community. Many now await a clarification from the actor on what she intended to convey.