Rashmika Mandanna has finally addressed the backlash surrounding her and husband Vijay Deverakonda’s appearance on ‘Koffee With Karan’ Season 9, pushing back against online criticism of their relationship and the unsolicited advice she has received from social media users. In a strongly worded statement, the actress defended their decision to marry, called out what she described as bullying in the name of feminism, and said that people questioning her relationship were ignoring her own account of her life.

“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,” Rashmika wrote in her statement.

The actress also hit back at people who urged her to reconsider her relationship, saying that those offering unsolicited advice were not present during the difficult periods of her life, when Vijay stood by her.

Rashmika Mandanna on Vijay Deverakonda marriage controversy: ‘100 is nothing’

The backlash followed the couple’s appearance on Karan Johar’s chat show, where Rashmika spoke about bringing up marriage with Vijay over the course of a year. Vijay’s recollection of asking her to raise the subject 100 times before he agreed became a talking point online, with some viewers interpreting the exchange as a sign that Rashmika was more invested in the relationship.

Addressing the controversy, Rashmika clarified that the conversation was never about repeatedly asking for a proposal. Instead, she said, it was about giving each other time to understand whether they were ready to build a life together.

“First, it was never about the number of times or an entire year. That’s where some of you got stuck,” she wrote.

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According to Rashmika, the couple wanted to ensure that they were making the right decision despite the highs and lows of life. She added that while she knew what she wanted, Vijay needed time to think through the practical aspects of their future.

“It’s okay that I knew exactly what I wanted. And it was equally okay that he wanted time to think through the practical things in life and be sure,” the actress explained.

She added that their differences in temperament complemented each other, describing herself as someone who leads with her heart while Vijay approaches things as a thinker.

For the actress, marriage was never about a grand proposal or a ring, but about committing to a shared future. She also made it clear that she had no regrets about expressing her feelings openly.

“I am OBSESSED with my man. When did that become a bad thing?” she wrote, adding, “I would do it a thousand times - 100 is nothing. It’s really that simple.”

‘When I snap a bone, you aren’t there. He is’: Rashmika hits back at trolls

One of the most pointed parts of Rashmika’s statement addressed people who claimed to be concerned about her well-being and offered relationship advice through social media posts and reels.

The actress thanked those who said they wanted to protect her but questioned why they were drawing conclusions about a relationship they knew little about. She said that people who had not witnessed the difficult moments in her life were now questioning the person who had supported her through them.

“You weren’t there. HE WAS and HE IS even right now,” she wrote.

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Rashmika went on to describe the everyday ways in which Vijay supports her, from helping her when she is physically injured to comforting her during periods of anxiety and pain.

“When I snap a bone, you aren’t there. He is. When my stomach hurts every month, you aren’t there. He is. When I wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety, you aren’t there. He is,” she said.

The actress added that she was happier than ever and hoped people could see that in her life, work and performances. She also expressed discomfort over the fact that online narratives and misleading edits appeared to carry more weight for some people than her own words about her relationship.

“The fact that some people would rather believe random narratives, misleading edits and absolute lies created on the internet than believe what I say about my own life is honestly a little creepy,” she wrote.

Rashmika Mandanna says she and Vijay Deverakonda will keep choosing each other

Beyond defending Vijay, Rashmika emphasised that both of them had built their lives through their own choices and hard work. She said they were capable of deciding whom they wanted to share their lives with and had chosen each other freely.

“We will keep choosing each other, again and again, until the end,” she wrote.

The actress also urged people not to impose their own expectations of love and relationships on others, saying that everyone should be free to choose the kind of life that makes them happy.

ALSO READ: ‘I asked him for an entire year to marry me’: Rashmika Mandanna on Vijay Deverakonda’s proposal

Her statement also addressed criticism directed at her family. Rashmika argued that feminism should be about personal freedom and the ability to make decisions about one's own life, rather than using criticism or humiliation to establish superiority over others.

“Feminism was never about putting someone else down or establishing superiority, whether you’re a man or a woman. It was always about having the freedom to choose your own life and taking charge of it,” she wrote.

Rashmika concluded by expressing gratitude to those who celebrate her happiness while asking others to find something positive in their own lives.

The statement marks her most direct response yet to the online debate surrounding the couple’s television appearance. Rather than allowing viewers to define their relationship through a handful of comments, the actress has made it clear that she and Vijay are comfortable with the choices they have made.