Rashmika Mandanna hits back at trolls, says feminism is about freedom to choose one's own life

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has issued a strong response to online criticism of her relationship, defending her personal choices, expressing gratitude for her partner's support and drawing a clear distinction between feminism and bullying. In a series of Instagram Stories, the actor addressed those commenting on her personal life, questioning her relationship and making remarks about her family.

At the heart of Mandanna's statement was a simple message: people should have the freedom to choose how they wish to live, whom they wish to love and what makes them happy, without being subjected to judgement from others.

The actor also took the opportunity to thank her supporters, particularly her Kannadiga followers, for continuing to celebrate her a decade after she began her journey in the film industry. While expressing appreciation for the affection she has received, she made it clear that criticism directed at her was one thing, but comments about her family crossed a line.

Rashmika Mandanna says feminism should not be used to justify bullying

One of the strongest parts of Mandanna's Instagram statement was her response to those who had criticised her family amid the online debate surrounding her relationship.

“Bitch about me all you want. I can take it,” she wrote, before questioning the practice of commenting on family members without knowing them personally.

“But talking about my family without knowing them? That's not feminism. That's bullying dressed up as feminism,” she added.

The actor went on to explain her understanding of feminism, arguing that it should not be about putting others down or establishing superiority over another person, regardless of gender.

“Feminism was never about putting someone else down or establishing superiority, whether you're a man or a woman,” she wrote.

Instead, Mandanna described feminism as the freedom to make decisions about one's own life and take responsibility for those choices.

“It was always about having the freedom to choose your own life and taking charge of it,” she said.

The statement reflected her frustration with what she viewed as a contradiction between the principles of personal freedom and the behaviour of people who attempt to dictate how others should conduct their relationships.

By drawing this distinction, Mandanna challenged the idea that unsolicited advice or personal attacks become acceptable simply because they are presented as concern for another woman's well-being.

Actor says her partner stood by her during difficult times

Mandanna also spoke about the emotional and practical support she receives from her partner, Vijay Deverakonda, explaining that people commenting on their relationship have not experienced the private moments that define their life together.

She highlighted the importance of having someone who offers affection, protection, encouragement and support when life becomes difficult.

“When I snap a bone, you aren't there. He is,” she wrote.

She continued by referring to the times when she experiences physical discomfort or wakes up in the middle of the night with anxiety.

“When I wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety, you aren't there. He is,” she added.

Mandanna's words emphasised the difference between observing a relationship from the outside and experiencing it from within. While social media users may form opinions based on interviews, photographs or brief public appearances, she suggested that such observations cannot capture the full reality of a couple's private life.

She also spoke about needing advice, protection, comfort and emotional support, adding that her partner had been there for her when she needed those things.

For the actor, a meaningful relationship is one in which both people stand by each other through ordinary routines as well as difficult moments.

“To have someone who roots for you, showers you with affection, protects you, watches out for you, celebrates your every win, that is the only love I want, and I have,” she wrote, ending the thought with a red heart.

Her statement made it clear that she was content with her relationship and did not believe that outsiders needed to approve of her choices.

Rashmika says people should respect different ideas of happiness

Alongside defending her relationship, Mandanna extended a message of goodwill to those who disagreed with her choices.

She said she genuinely wished for people to find someone they loved who would love them just as deeply. However, she acknowledged that not everyone wanted the same kind of relationship or life.

“And if that isn't what you want for yourself, that's completely fine too. Live the life that makes you happy,” she wrote.

The actor added that she would be happy for people regardless of the choices they made for themselves.

This message was an important part of her response because it placed personal freedom at the centre of her argument. Mandanna did not suggest that everyone should follow her example or pursue marriage and romantic relationships in the same way. Instead, she called for people to respect differences in personal preferences.

Her position was that happiness should not be measured against a single social expectation, whether that expectation concerns marriage, relationships or the way people choose to organise their lives.

The message also served as a response to those offering her unsolicited relationship advice. Rather than engaging with every criticism individually, she reiterated that people should concentrate on finding happiness for themselves instead of attempting to make decisions for others.

Actor says she is grateful to her Kannadiga supporters

Mandanna's statement also included a warm message to some of her Kannadiga friends and supporters, acknowledging the affection they have continued to show her over the years.

“And to some of my Kannadiga friends,” she began, expressing happiness at knowing that she remained deeply etched in their hearts even after 10 years.

“Ahhh, how lovely it is to know that I'm still so deeply etched in your hearts even after 10 years,” she wrote.

The actor described herself as blessed that people continued to celebrate her after so much time had passed.

“For you to still be celebrating me after all this time, truly, I'm blessed!” she added.

The message offered a more personal and affectionate dimension to her statement, shifting the focus from criticism to gratitude. It acknowledged the enduring connection she shares with supporters who have followed her journey since her early years in the entertainment industry.

Mandanna began her film career with the Kannada film Kirik Party in 2016 and subsequently established herself across several Indian film industries. Over the years, she has built a substantial following among audiences who have continued to support her professional and personal milestones.

Her words to her Kannadiga followers suggested that their continued affection remained meaningful to her, even as her career and public profile expanded.

She concluded this part of the message by extending her love to everyone who celebrated love and joy, while encouraging others to find something that brought happiness into their own lives.

Personal choices should not be dictated by public opinion

A recurring theme throughout Mandanna's statement was the importance of taking responsibility for one's own decisions rather than allowing public opinion to determine the course of one's life.

“I took charge of mine,” she wrote, referring to her decision to live according to her own choices.

The actor added that doing so had rewarded her with immense love.

Her comments highlighted a broader issue surrounding the public scrutiny faced by actors and other prominent personalities. Social media has made it easier for audiences to engage directly with celebrities, but this access can also encourage people to form strong opinions about relationships they know little about.

A brief interview or an individual comment can become the basis for extensive discussion, with personal choices analysed and debated by people who have no direct knowledge of the circumstances involved.

Mandanna's response challenged this tendency, suggesting that people should be cautious about judging others without understanding the realities of their lives.

Her message was not that public figures should never face criticism. Rather, she drew a distinction between expressing an opinion about someone's public statements and making personal attacks or dragging family members into a dispute.

By emphasising freedom, responsibility and respect, she argued that individuals should be allowed to make their own decisions without having to justify every aspect of their private lives to strangers.