Rashmika Mandanna responds to online criticism of her relationship with Vijay Deverakonda, saying they chose each other after taking time to understand their bond. The actress defends her family, addresses feminism and highlights Vijay’s support in her life.
Actress Rashmika Mandanna has responded to online criticism surrounding her relationship with actor Vijay Deverakonda, saying the couple took time to understand their relationship before deciding to move forward together. In a strongly worded social media post, the Animal and Pushpa actress criticised what she described as excessive online hostility and defended her personal choices, family and understanding of feminism.
The relationship between Rashmika and Vijay has attracted considerable public attention, particularly following their appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9. Addressing the reactions to their relationship, Rashmika said that the discussion had moved away from its original point and that some online responses felt less like ordinary opinions and more like an angry crowd looking for someone to target.
“Somewhere along the way, the whole point got lost. Maybe it didn’t fit your lens. Maybe some of you simply don’t want to see it,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
The actress explained that she decided to speak publicly because she wanted to stand up for people who continued to believe in love despite criticism and negativity.
Rashmika Defends Vijay Relationship Against Online Criticism and Negativity
Addressing discussions about an alleged year-long effort to propose to Vijay, Rashmika clarified that their decision was not centred on a grand proposal or a dramatic declaration of love.
She explained that the conversation between them was about taking sufficient time and space to understand each other and ensure they were making the right decision. According to Rashmika, both wanted to consider the highs and lows of life, including its joys, challenges and stresses, before choosing to move forward together.
“But neither of us was looking for a grand proposal,” she wrote, explaining that their decision came after taking the time to understand their relationship.
Concluding her explanation, she stated, “We chose each other.”
Her remarks emphasised the importance of mutual understanding, patience and personal choice in a relationship, rather than public expectations about how love should be expressed.
Actress Highlights Vijay’s Support
Rashmika also spoke about the support Vijay provides in her everyday life, describing his presence during difficult moments as an important part of their bond.
She referred to situations involving physical injuries, recurring stomach pain, hospital visits and moments when she wakes up at night feeling anxious. In each example, she contrasted the reactions of online critics with Vijay’s actual presence and support.
“When I snap a bone, you aren’t there. He is,” she wrote, adding that Vijay was there when she needed medical attention and support during difficult moments.
Through these examples, the actress highlighted the difference between public commentary about her relationship and the personal experiences that shape her decisions.
Defends Her Family and Explains Her View of Feminism
The actress also issued a strong response to comments about her family, making it clear that criticism of her personal life should not extend to people who have not chosen to be part of the public discussion.
“Bitch about me all you want. I can take it. But talking about my family without knowing them? That’s not feminism. That’s bullying dressed up as feminism,” she wrote.
Rashmika further explained that she did not view feminism as a means of putting others down or establishing superiority over another person, regardless of gender. Instead, she described it as the freedom to make personal decisions, take responsibility for one’s life and live according to one’s own choices.
“I took charge of mine and it rewarded me with immense love,” she added.
Her statement placed personal autonomy and respect for individual decisions at the centre of her argument, while challenging the use of feminist language to justify online harassment.
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Rashmika’s response has brought renewed attention to the scrutiny faced by public figures over their relationships and private lives. Through her post, she sought to clarify the circumstances behind her relationship with Vijay Deverakonda, highlight the support they share and draw a distinction between expressing an opinion and targeting someone or their family.
Her central message was that relationships are personal decisions shaped by the people involved, and that outsiders do not necessarily understand the conversations, experiences and considerations behind those choices.
