Rashmika Mandanna Hits Back at Critics: ‘I’d Propose to Vijay a Thousand Times’

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has defended her marriage to Vijay Deverakonda after their appearance on Karan Johar's chat show Koffee With Karan 9 sparked criticism on social media over their relationship dynamics. The controversy escalated after Rashmika revealed that she had repeatedly asked Vijay to marry her before he agreed.

During the conversation, Rashmika recalled telling Vijay at an airport that they should get married. Vijay responded that she could ask him 100 times. She also revealed that she had continued asking him for nearly a year. Some viewers interpreted the exchange as a sign of an imbalance in their relationship, prompting online criticism and accusations that Vijay was a red flag.

Responding to the backlash on October 26, Rashmika described the online reaction as an “angry mob” and said people were judging their relationship without understanding its reality. She explained that Vijay wanted them to take time to understand each other and consider the practical aspects of marriage before making a lifelong commitment.

Declaring her love for her husband, Rashmika said she would propose to him a thousand times again. She also criticised social media users for targeting her family, describing such behaviour as “bullying dressed up as feminism”. She stressed that feminism should support individual freedom and the right to choose one's partner.

Vijay also defended their relationship, describing Rashmika as his best friend and wife. He said they were “both gloriously happy” and pushed back against those commenting on their personal lives.

Meanwhile, the controversy has taken a legal turn. The couple's team has filed a complaint with Hyderabad Cyber Crime authorities over allegedly fabricated posts, manipulated screenshots, impersonation and targeted online harassment. The team submitted supporting material and sought an investigation into the content.

It clarified that the complaint was not intended to restrict freedom of speech or genuine criticism, but to address potentially unlawful conduct and the circulation of misleading information.

Rashmika and Vijay married on February 26, 2026, in Udaipur. Their responses have shifted the debate from their marriage proposals to the limits of online criticism and the importance of respecting personal choices.