Rashmika Mandanna's claim angered her Kodava community

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has earned the wrath of her own community, popularly known as the Kodavas. Courtesy, a tall claim that she made in a recent interview. During the media interaction, she claimed that she was the first actor from the Kodava community to have entered the film industry. But history suggests otherwise.

In a recent interview with Mojo Story, Rashmika Mandanna said she believed that she was the first person from the Kodava community to have stepped foot in the film industry. "No one from the Kodava community has entered the film industry before me. I believe I'm the first," she said.

Her claim, which is factually incorrect, has caused outrage among people, especially among the artistes belonging to the Kodava community. Rashmika Mandanna, in the past, has flaunted her Kodava roots. However, this gaffe seems to have landed her in trouble.

Veteran actor Neravanda Prema, who rose to fame in the 90s and early 2000s, told the media that the Kodava community knows the truth about the artists who have made their mark in the film industry. She said, "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?" she added.

Actor Nidhi Subbaiah, who has worked in Kannada and Bollywood films, belongs to the Kodagu community as well. Nidhi said that she couldn't understand why Rashmika made that comment. Actor Tanisha Kuppanda, too, listed many actors from the Kodava community who have made a name for themselves in the industry. "If that's true, Rashmika must be two decades old," she remarked. Calling Daisy Bopanna and Harshika Poonacha some of the most celebrated actors from the Kodava community, she stated.

A clip from the interview is now going viral with members of the Kodava community expressing their frustration over Rashmika Mandanna's slip-up. Many shared their thoughts with the hashtags #NotTheFirst and #KodavaPride on X.

Rashmika Mandanna's gaffe has made headlines, with many criticising her for misappropriating facts and history. The actor is yet to react to the controversy.

Kodavas are an ethnic group of people, who belong to Karnataka's Coorg region. They are known for their unique customs and traditions with great performers in various fields, ranging from sports to cinema.