In a tense situation that has soon swept over social media, the Kannada actor-director Rishab Shetty has lost his cool when reporters grilled him over Rashmika Mandanna’s wedding. The incident took place on February 24, 2026 during Rishab’s spiritual visit to the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Mantralayam, where he went looking for blessings regarding his much-anticipated project, Kantara: Chapter 1.
Although the so-called divine star is generally known for a calm, centered demeanor, the timing and nature of the media’s questioning at a place of worship seemed to tap a nerve.
The Episode: A sacred visit interrupted
Rishab Shetty and Pragathi Shetty went to Mantralaya for Guru Vaibhavotsava festival. Rishab was swarmed by a wave of journalists, after reciting the darshan of Rayaru’s Brindavana and meeting Sri Subudhendra Teertha the pontiff. At first they discussed his spiritual journey and the development of Kantara. But the mood changed when a reporter said:
“Sir, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are about to get married this week in Udaipur. Have you been invited to the ‘VIROSH’ wedding?”.
Rishab Shetty, who had been angry at the mention of his former Kirik Party protégé during a religious visit, was said to have angrily glared at the reporter before he confronted the journalist about how inappropriate the thing was, being said at the temple. He refused to respond, turned away, and marched away without replying, leaving the media people befuddled.
The Complicated Background: Rishab and Rashmika
The friction between Rishab and Rashmika dates back several years. Although Rishab Shetty had given Rashmika her big time in the 2016 hit Kirik Party, their relationship deteriorated over the years between the two performers for a few weeks amid constant public misunderstanding:
The “Production House” Controversy
Rashmika also faced public criticism from followers of Kannada for, among others, not being able to mention Rishab’s production house in the interview after being accused of having “forgotten her roots”. The Kantara Sidelining: Before releasing Kantara, Rishab took a winking stab at some actors who never admit to where they came from during the film, calling them the “hand gesture,” something fans interpreted as a nod to Rashmika.
The Wedding Buzz: Calling Udaipur
The question arises as the entire Indian film industry is buzzing with "The Wedding of VIROSH." Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda formally united on Feb 26, 2026, in Udaipur. Though some of the Telugu and Hindi stars featured on the guest list, there has been never-ending speculation as to who Rashmika’s early mentors from the Kannada industry would be invited as a guest.
Industry Reaction
Rishab's army of fans on social media has taken a stand, saying that a temple is not meant for "celebrity gossip." Numerous people noted that Rishab is currently neck-deep in the production of Kantara: Chapter 1 and clearly not moving forward with past feuds in the industry but rather honing in on his work.
