Rashmika Mandanna warns of legal action against those sharing her mother’s audio, private chats linked to ex-fiancé Rakshit Shetty

Actor Rashmika Mandanna, who tied the knot with Vijay on February 26, 2026, has slammed the media and warned social media portals and threatened to take legal action, saying she will file a defamation case.

An old video of Rashmika’s mother Suman Mandanna, making allegations against actor Rakshit Shetty, who was earlier enagged to Rashmika and they broke up. Now, after Rashmika’s wedding, an old clip has resurfaced again and has come to Rashmika.

On Thursday, Rashmika shared a series of Instagram stories addressing the circulation of a private conversation from eight years ago. She said the conversation appears to have been recorded and shared without the knowledge or consent of those involved, and that a small portion was allegedly taken out of context and widely circulated online.

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. 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,” Rashmika continued.

“However, what has happened in the last 24 hours crosses a line that can’t be ignored. 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,” she added.

“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,” the actor wrote.

Legal action

She wrote, “While we move forward in life, grow, create meaningful work, and spread positivity, it is unfortunate that a few continue to manufacture hate and controversy at the cost of another person’s dignity and peace. For eight years, while the attacks were restricted to me, I chose silence. Today, while others are being drawn into this, I cannot stay silent any longer. I choose to draw a boundary.”

Rashmika wrote, “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 has become necessary. Thank you, Much love,” concluded her note.

However, the video is from an old interview Suman gave to a Kannada news channel and is now being widely circulated by fans online.

In the viral clip, Suman Mandanna spoke about tensions that allegedly arose between the two families during that period. According to her, disagreements escalated into arguments. She claimed that during one such incident, Rakshit did not support her and instead argued with her.

She also alleged that one of the final demands made to Rashmika was that she should publicly announce on social media that she would quit acting after marriage. In the clip, Suman further claims that Rakshit’s mother insisted that Rashmika’s mother apologise.

Suman added that a lot had happened behind the scenes during that phase, but she remained strong throughout the controversy.

The Geetha Govindam controversy

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.

Defending her daughter, Suman said she supported Rashmika’s professional choices as an actress.

Actor Rashmika Mandanna, who married Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda on February 26, 2026, was earlier engaged to Rakshit Shetty.

Rashmika Mandanna and Rakshit Shetty first met while working on the 2016 Kannada blockbuster Kirik Party. The two eventually fell in love and got engaged in 2017. However, their engagement was short-lived, and in 2018 the actors announced that they had mutually decided to end their relationship.