Hyderabad: Days after Rashmika Mandanna’s marriage with Vijay Deverakonda, an old video clip allegedly linked to her ex-fiancé Rakshit Shetty has gone viral on social media, promoting a strong reaction from the actress.
Expressing her disappointment and claiming that the video was recorded without consent, the actress warned that she would take legal action against those sharing it merely for likes and views.
The viral video features her mother Suman Mandanna speaking about the harassment Rashmika allegedly faced when she was engaged to Rakshit.
The resurfaced clip triggered fresh debate on social media, drawing renewed attention to her past relationship with Rakshit.
Addressing the situation, Rashmika said, “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 added, “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. However, what has happened in the last 24 hours crosses a line that can’t be ignored.”
Stating that the clip appears to be part of a deliberate attempt to spark a controversy around her personal life, Rashmika said, “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.”
Criticising those responsible for spreading the clip and dragging her family into the issue, Rashmika said, “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.”
“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 asked media outlets, influencers and individuals circulating the clip to remove it within 24 hours.
“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 it has become necessary.”
— Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) March 12, 2026
For the unversed, Rashmika and Rakshit first met while working on the Kannada film ‘Kirik Party’.
The actors soon began dating and got engaged in 2017. However, the following year, the couple revealed they had mutually parted ways.
On February 26, Rashmika and Vijay tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur.
Following the wedding, the couple hosted a grand reception in Hyderabad for their industry friends.
