‘Somebody’s opinion will not be my personality’: ‘Toxic’ star Yash addresses Rashmika Mandanna’s ‘Mr Showoff’ remark
Yash has revisited the controversy surrounding a comment made by Rashmika Mandanna in 2017. The actor discussed the incident during his appearance on Rajat Sharma’s ‘Aap Ki Adalat’.The subject came up as Yash spoke about his career and his upcoming movie ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’. The actor did not appear interested in reopening the old episode. Instead, he explained how he viewed the incident and why he chose not to let another person’s opinion affect him.For the unversed, the controversy dates back to a television interaction involving Rashmika Mandanna. During a rapid-fire segment, she was asked to name the “Mr Showoff” of the Kannada film industry.
Yash says an opinion does not define him
Rashmika Mandanna eventually mentioned Yash’s name. The answer later became a major talking point on social media. Yash’s fans criticised the actress, leading her to clarify what she had meant.Years later, Yash has now offered his perspective on the episode. He suggested that the format of such television segments could encourage participants to give quick answers without serious intent.“I don’t know in what sense she spoke. She was new. There are ‘bakwaas’ TV shows, where the interviewer gives 3-4 options, and probably ‘yeh ladki sochi ki yeh option suit hoga.’ Bahut saare directors offended ho gaye. I personally feel that’s okay; that’s somebody’s opinion. That’s what I wrote. Anybody can give an opinion about you. But somebody’s opinion will not be my personality. Jo main hoon, woh kisi ke nazariye se nahin badalta hai. Main jo hoon, main hoon,”(“I don’t know in what sense she said it. She was new. There are ‘nonsense’ TV shows where the interviewer gives three or four options, and perhaps she thought, ‘This option would suit me.’ A lot of directors were offended. Personally, I feel that’s okay; that’s somebody’s opinion. That’s what I wrote. Anybody can have an opinion about you. But somebody’s opinion will not define my personality. Who I am does not change based on someone else’s perspective. I am who I am.”) Yash said.Yash also addressed the reaction from fans. He made it clear that he does not consider personal attacks on another actor to be a sign of loyalty.“If you don’t respect another actor, then you are not my fan.”
Rashmika Mandanna explained the context
Following the backlash in 2017, Rashmika Mandanna released a detailed clarification. She said the television programme had been recorded months before it was aired again.“Dear all, At the outset let me share that I too am indeed extremely unhappy and disturbed by this sudden turn of events with regard to a talk show, which was shot 7 months back, even before the release of Kirik Party.The interview was aired on Star Suvarna during the release of Kirik Party and re telecasted recently. I have no disrespect towards Yash Sir or anyone. In fact on many occasions, I have expressed my admiration towards Yash Sir, his talent and how he has inspired everyone, including myself.”Rashmika Mandanna also said that the rapid-fire answer had been separated from the rest of the conversation.“When you edit and take just two lines from the most non serious part of the show and give it spin… the context is lost. That is really sad. It wasn’t a statement I made but it was a game of rapid fire and never in my dreams I had any idea that this would be taken so seriously ignoring my admiration and all the positive statements I had made about him.”
Yash had addressed it in 2017
Yash had already responded to the controversy when it emerged. At the time, he asked his followers to stop pursuing the matter.“Hi everyone… I generally ignore these kind of things… since its very evident that you guys are hurt… I thought i should react… firstly would like to thank all my fans for all the love and support… I don’t know Rashmika personally nor have i ever spoken to her, but she has all the rights to have an opinion, lets not disrespect it. “You never become someone else’s opinion” Pls ignore this issue from this very moment... Moving on.. will soon update a KGF pic.. until then Eid Mubarak everyone.”Meanwhile, Yash is preparing for the release of ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’, directed by Geetu Mohandas.
