Rashmika Responds to Smoking Controversy Amid Career High
Rashmika Mandanna, one of Indian cinema’s most bankable pan-India stars, recently found herself at the center of controversy after reiterating her personal rule of not performing smoking scenes on-screen. Known for juggling mass entertainers with strong female-led narratives, the actress revealed in an interview that she would reject any film regardless of the size of the offer—if it required her to smoke on camera.
“I hate smoking. That’s why I don’t accept roles that require it. I believe these scenes can send the wrong message to the audience,” Rashmika had said.
But shortly after the interview went viral, a clip from one of her older films resurfaced online, showing her smoking on screen. The contradiction prompted netizens to question her stance, calling her “hypocritical” and accusing her of virtue signaling. Some even dug up past comments where she reiterated her dislike for smoking, both in real life and in her profession.
Balancing Beliefs and Acting Roles in the Limelight
Rashmika addressed the backlash in an interview, clarifying that personal growth and evolving choices could result in shifting boundaries. She explained that early in her career, she was still understanding the dynamics of the film industry. Today, she chooses roles more consciously, particularly those that align with her values. Her decision not to do smoking scenes anymore is, according to her, a result of that evolution.
Despite the criticism, Rashmika received praise for standing firm on her principles in current projects. She remains one of the few mainstream actresses in Indian cinema to publicly maintain a personal code regarding content.
Defending Her Role in ‘Animal’ and Tackling Audience Judgment
While Rashmika is being criticized for her past choices, she also found herself defending her role in the controversial film Animal, which starred Ranbir Kapoor. The film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, drew fire for glorifying toxic masculinity. However, Rashmika argued that people should approach films as artistic expressions.
“Nobody is forcing anybody to watch a film. Watch your kind of films. Don’t judge the actor for portraying a character,” she said in a conversation with Barkha Dutt. “There are grey characters in all of us. It’s acting for a reason.”
She emphasized that as a performer, her job is to bring life to characters, not to promote or endorse their choices. While she personally avoids smoking on-screen, she doesn’t hold others to the same standard.
Rashmika on Dealing with Public Scrutiny
Fresh from the success of her Tamil film Kuberra, Rashmika acknowledged that fame comes with public scrutiny. During her appearance at the ‘We The Women’ summit in London, she stated, “I believe I signed up for this. When people write not-so-great things, I’m okay with that too.”
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Rashmika’s level-headed response showcased her maturity in handling both success and criticism. While some fans continue to question her decisions, many admire her ability to own up to her past while staying true to her present values.
Conclusion:
As Rashmika Mandanna continues to dominate the screen with her performances, she also navigates the complicated landscape of celebrity expectations and personal principles. Whether it’s rejecting a scene, defending a film, or responding to internet backlash, the actress remains a strong voice in an industry often rife with contradictions.
