Kannada Star Ramya Stands By Rashmika Mandanna As 'Chhaava' Actress Gets Brutally Trolled

Despite not having appeared in a film for nearly a decade, Kannada actress Ramya aka Divya Spandana continues to hold key influence in the industry, earning her the title of "Sandalwood Queen".

Known for her candidness, she has previously spoken about the challenges of maintaining mental well-being as a celebrity in the age of social media.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/divyaspandana; https://x.com/iamRashmika

Ramya on Mental Health and Coping with Grief

During a discussion on women in cinema at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, Ramya became emotional when asked about her struggles with mental health, which she had previously opened up about last year.

"You are going to make me cry," the 'Katari Veera Surasundarangi' actress admitted. "When I lost my father, RT Narayan, in 2013, I was completely shattered. It was a time of immense grief, and I struggled to come to terms with his loss." She also acknowledged how, in recent years, public figures like Deepika Padukone have spoken about their own mental health challenges, helping to break the stigma surrounding the issue.

Ramya credited the practice of Vipassana meditation with helping her cope with stress in recent years. She also addressed the harmful impact of social media trolling, stating, "Women are easy targets. Those who engage in trolling should understand the emotional distress they cause."

Ramya Defends Rashmika Mandanna Amid Controversy

Recently, actress Rashmika Mandanna, originally from Karnataka's Kodagu district, found herself at the centre of controversy during the promotion of her Hindi film 'Chhaava'.

When asked where she was from, she responded, "I'm from Hyderabad."

This statement angered many in Karnataka, as she began her career in the Kannada film industry before transitioning to Telugu cinema. Consequently, she faced heavy online trolling for allegedly "denying her roots."

The controversy deepened when Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga claimed that Rashmika had refused an invitation to attend the 2024 Bengaluru International Film Festival. However, Rashmika's team denied these allegations. The growing rift between the actress and the Kannada audience led to increased trolling on social media.

In response, Ramya publicly defended Rashmika, condemning the negative online culture. "People need to stop this culture of trolling," she stated. "I see Rashmika being attacked every day, and I feel for her. She is constantly at the receiving end."

Rashmika, meanwhile, shared a message on Instagram on March 8, reflecting on her state of mind:

"Guys, try to stay positive as much as possible. Smile-we only have this one life, so live it to the fullest. Be a little kinder. Everyone is facing their own struggles. Show love to others, show love to yourself. Stay hydrated and take care of your body."