'Hate has been amplified':Rashmika Mandanna WARNS OF legal action for LEAKED audio of mother on Rakshit Shetty

Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who recently tied the knot with actor Vijay Deverakonda in February 2026, has been making headlines not just for her wedding but also due to a controversy that has surfaced online. The couple’s union was widely celebrated across social media and by fans, marking one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the year. However, just days after the celebrations, Rashmika found herself addressing an unexpected and troubling issue related to her past.

The controversy stems from a viral audio clip allegedly featuring Rashmika’s mother, Suman Mandanna. The clip reportedly references harassment that Rashmika experienced during the time she was first engaged to actor Rakshit Shetty. For context, Rashmika and Rakshit first met while working on the 2016 Kannada blockbuster Kirik Party. The pair eventually fell in love and got engaged in 2017. Their engagement, however, was short-lived, and in 2018, both actors announced that they had mutually decided to end the relationship. The resurfacing of this old conversation now comes nearly eight years later, coinciding with Rashmika’s recent marriage, and has sparked fresh debate online.

In response to the viral clip, Rashmika issued a detailed statement condemning the circulation of the audio and warning that legal action would follow if it was not removed. She said, '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.'

She continued, '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 cannot be ignored.' Rashmika emphasized that the audio is being shared deliberately to create controversy. '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.'

The actress further addressed the impact on her family and close relations. '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.'

Rashmika concluded her statement by calling for immediate action and threatening legal proceedings. '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.'

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.

- Rashmika Mandanna

The actress and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding celebrations were a grand affair, attended by close family, friends, and several prominent figures from the film industry. The couple’s festivities included traditional ceremonies, vibrant receptions, and intimate gatherings that highlighted their joy and love for each other. Fans and well-wishers from across the country joined in sending heartfelt wishes, making the occasion widely celebrated and remembered.