Media365
Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga stirred a row in the state after he alleged that Rashmika Mandanna refused an invitation from their government to attend an International Film Festival in Bengaluru. Later on Tuesday, Ravikumar, in an interaction with media persons, shared that he has proof that Rashmika’s team had declined the invitation, a claim that reportedly stands denied by the actress’ team. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar also came down heavily on artists skipping film events like these in the state, drawing criticism from the opposition party BJP for his “threat” to artists.
“Take this as a warning or a request to the Film Chamber and the Academy for future events. This is not my event; it is yours. Does cinema only matter to twenty people? If the government does not provide support and permissions, filmmaking cannot happen. I, too, know where to tighten the nuts and bolts and whom to approach. Keep that in mind,” Shivakumar said.
The BJP reacted and Mandi MP and actress Kangana Ranaut spoke on the matter during her visit to the Durgaparameshwari Temple in Mangalore. Kangana said that artists are protected by gods and certainly truth shall prevail.
Her sharp commentary was on display when she remarked against threatening artists and said, “Kalaraon ka sath hamesha ishwar hote hain. Kalaraon ki devi saraswati hoti hai. Aisa nahi hai… kisi ka screw agar dheela ya tight karne ke chhakar mein hoga toh unki raksha ke liye Vishnu ka bi janam hota hai. Toh koi na koi humein bachayenge. Aisa nahi hai…” (The god is with the artists. The god of art is Saraswati. If someone’s nut bolt need to be tightened then certainly, Lord Vishu will incarnate. Someone will save us…”).
