Delete Privacy-Violating Audio Clip In 24 Hours Or Face Legal Action: Rashmika After Old Video Linking Rakshit

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has issued a strong statement after an old audio clip linked to her mother resurfaced on social media and sparked controversy surrounding her past relationship with Rakshit Shetty.

The controversy surfaced just weeks after Rashmika's widely discussed marriage to Vijay Deverakonda, which was followed by a star-studded wedding reception attended by several film personalities.

Rashmika took to Instagram to issue a detailed statement questioning the timing and intent behind the controversy. 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."

She further added that the viral audio clip appeared to be part of a private conversation recorded without consent.

"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."

Rashmika also expressed concern that her family and acquaintances were being dragged into the issue.

"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."

Legal warning issued

Calling the circulation of the clip a serious invasion of privacy, the actor warned that legal action would be taken if the content was not removed.

"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 organizations involved in the continued circulation of defamatory or privacy-violating content, in accordance with applicable law."

Old Video

The viral clip allegedly featured Rashmika's mother Suman Mandanna. She allegedly spoke about tensions between the families during Rashmika's engagement to Rakshit Shetty several years ago.

The resurfaced clip was widely circulated by fans and online pages, reigniting discussions about the couple's past relationship.

A relationship that began on a film set

Rashmika and Rakshit first met while working on the Kannada blockbuster Kirik Party in 2016. Their on-screen chemistry quickly turned into a real-life relationship.

The two got engaged in 2017, becoming one of the most talked-about young couples in Kannada cinema. However, the engagement ended the following year.

In 2018, both actors announced that they had mutually decided to call off their relationship. At the time, they maintained that the separation was amicable and requested privacy from the public and media.

In the resurfaced interview, Suman Mandanna speaks about disagreements that allegedly arose between the two families during the period leading up to the breakup.

According to her statements in the clip, tensions escalated into arguments between the families. She claims that during one such incident, Rakshit Shetty argued with her instead of supporting her.

She also alleges that one of the final conditions placed before Rashmika was that she should publicly announce on social media that she would quit acting after marriage.

In the interview, Suman Mandanna also claims that Rakshit's mother allegedly insisted that Rashmika's mother apologise during the dispute.

Part of the interview includes Suman speaking emotionally in Kannada. In essence, she says:

"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."

She further says: "What mistake did my young daughter make? The elders started calling. His mother said my daughter's 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."

In the same interview, Suman Mandanna also addressed criticism surrounding Rashmika's lip-lock scene in the Telugu film Geetha Govindam, which starred Vijay Deverakonda. The scene had sparked debate among some sections of fans at the time. Suman defended her daughter's decision and said she supported Rashmika's professional choices.