Rashmika Mandanna has strongly defended her husband, Vijay Deverakonda, after their appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9 sparked widespread criticism on social media. The actress addressed the controversy in a lengthy Instagram statement on Monday, October 26, accusing online users of believing “random narratives, misleading edits and absolute lies” instead of listening to her account of their relationship.
The backlash began after the couple discussed their marriage during the October 21 episode of Karan Johar’s celebrity talk show.
What Happened on Koffee With Karan?
During the episode, Rashmika revealed that she had first suggested marriage while the couple were sitting at an airport.
Vijay recalled telling her that she would have to ask him 100 times before he agreed. Rashmika subsequently explained that she continued bringing up marriage for approximately a year.
The exchange prompted criticism online, with some viewers describing Vijay’s response as arrogant and questioning the couple’s relationship dynamics.
However, Rashmika argued that viewers had misunderstood the conversation by focusing on the number of proposals rather than the reasoning behind Vijay’s hesitation.
According to the actress, Vijay wanted both of them to take sufficient time to understand their relationship and decide whether they were ready for marriage.
She emphasized that neither was seeking a dramatic proposal and that their eventual decision reflected mutual understanding.
Rashmika Mandanna Defends Vijay Deverakonda
In her Instagram statement, Rashmika explained that she usually avoids responding to online criticism because everyone is entitled to an opinion.
However, the intensity of the reaction surprised her, particularly the unsolicited relationship advice directed at the couple.
The actress insisted that she is happy in her marriage and credited Vijay with supporting her through difficult personal moments, including illness, anxiety and emotional struggles.
She also challenged those making videos urging her to reconsider the relationship, pointing out that they had not witnessed the couple’s experiences away from public attention.
Rashmika was particularly critical of comments involving her family.
“That’s not feminism. That’s bullying dressed up as feminism,” she wrote.
The actress argued that feminism should support a woman’s freedom to make her own decisions rather than criticize those decisions for failing to match someone else’s expectations.
Vijay Deverakonda Responds to the Controversy
Vijay also reacted to the backlash, sharing a satirical Instagram reel mocking people who analyze celebrity relationships through isolated social media moments.
The video humorously questioned assumptions drawn from details such as where the couple sat, the placement of their coffee and their interactions during the interview.
The controversy highlights how quickly a lighthearted television exchange can develop into a broader discussion about relationships, particularly when short clips circulate without the surrounding conversation.
Rashmika and Vijay married in February 2026, after years of speculation surrounding their relationship.
For Rashmika, the central issue is not whether viewers approve of their marriage. Her message is that outsiders should recognize the limits of what they know about a relationship from television appearances and edited clips.
