Actor Rashmika Mandanna has warned of legal action after an alleged audio clip featuring her mother began circulating online, reigniting discussion around the actor’s past relationship with Rakshit Shetty.

The controversy surfaced days after Rashmika’s wedding to Vijay Deverakonda in February 2026. The clip, which is being widely shared on social media, reportedly contains a conversation involving her mother, Suman Mandanna, discussing harassment Rashmika allegedly faced during the period she was engaged to Shetty.

Also Read | 'Don't judge without context': Santy Sharma defends Badshah over 'Tateeree' controversy, explains rap culture

Reacting to the clip, the actor issued a statement condemning the circulation of what she described as a private conversation taken out of context and warned those sharing it to remove the content within 24 hours.

Rashmika calls viral clip 'invasion of privacy'

In her statement, Rashmika said the audio was part of a long pattern of misinformation and targeted harassment she has faced since entering the film industry. "It has been eight years since a sustained campaign of misinformation, harassment and targeted attacks from a section of the media and individuals online had started against me," she said.

The actor added that while she had previously chosen silence despite criticism directed at her, the latest incident had crossed a boundary.

“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,” she said. “A small portion of that conversation has now been deliberately taken out of context and circulated widely to create yet another controversy.”

Rashmika also said the situation had dragged her family and others into the matter unnecessarily, describing it as “a serious invasion of privacy and the circulation of misleading and defamatory material”.

Actor gives 24-hour ultimatum

The actor requested media organisations, influencers and individuals sharing the audio clip or related narratives to delete the content immediately. "You have 24 hours from the time of this statement to do so," she said, warning that legal notices would be issued if the material continued to circulate.

"Appropriate legal action will be initiated against individuals, influencers, digital platforms or media organisations involved in the continued circulation of defamatory or privacy-violating content," she added. Rashmika said the step was necessary after years of remaining silent when criticism was directed solely at her.

Also Read | Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur’s reception photos go viral, fans praise their chemistry

Background

Rashmika Mandanna and Rakshit Shetty first met while working on the Kannada film Kirik Party. The actors began dating soon after and announced their engagement in 2017. However, the couple later called off their engagement in 2018, stating that they had mutually decided to part ways.

The controversy has emerged shortly after Rashmika married actor Vijay Deverakonda in February 2026. In recent days, the actor has shared glimpses of the wedding celebrations on social media, offering fans a look into the ceremony and festivities.