Koffee With Karan 9: Rashmika Mandanna says she is “not comfortable with exposing or showing skin” as Karan Johar brings up Janhvi Kapoor’s objectification in Peddi
Rashmika Mandanna opened up about body exposure, on-screen costumes and the importance of actors being able to set boundaries during her appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9. The discussion came after host Karan Johar brought up the criticism surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s introduction in Peddi.
Janhvi’s role as Achiyamma in Buchi Babu Sana’s Peddi had sparked a discussion online, with some viewers questioning the emphasis on her appearance and body over the character. The criticism led to conversations around the portrayal of female actors in commercial and rural-set films.
During the second episode of Koffee With Karan Season 9, which featured Rashmika alongside Vijay Deverakonda, Karan discussed the topic with the actress. He pointed out that he had not seen a similar situation happen with Rashmika and asked whether she had been careful about such portrayals.
Rashmika Mandanna on costumes and skin show
Rashmika said, “There are some things that I am not okay with. I know some characters sort of need something like a bikini or something like that, but even in that, I would say I am not very comfortable with exposing or skin show; I am not that kind of person.”
The actress added that commercial films can sometimes involve costumes that make her uncomfortable. However, she said she has certain boundaries that she communicates while working with filmmakers. “But at the same time, there are lines that I draw for myself, which most often directors are okay with. Those are the kind of people I prefer working with,” Rashmika added.
Vijay Deverakonda says such conversations can be challenging
Vijay Deverakonda then pointed out that having these conversations with filmmakers and teams can still be difficult for actors. “But then it is still challenging to have these conversations,” Vijay said.
Rashmika agreed and explained that actors should feel comfortable enough to ask questions or express concerns about a particular scene or costume. “Correct, but you also need to make it easier for the actors to come and ask such questions because even I find it hard. Sometimes I have a conversation with Viju: ‘I want to say this, you think I can?’ And he is like, ‘Yes, you should,’” she said.
Vijay Deverakonda stresses the need for a support system
Vijay further spoke about the pressure actors can face when they decide to refuse something they are uncomfortable doing. According to him, having a support system can help performers understand that saying no does not make them unprofessional.
“They all need a support system to tell them that it is okay to put your foot down and say a ‘no’, because people can make you feel like you are an actress, you have signed this film, isn’t this your job? So, you start feeling that pressure of ‘Am I not doing my job?’ When they start making you feel unprofessional, it is like, ‘Let us not make a big deal about it; let’s hope that it will all be okay’, and you kind of do it unwillingly,” Vijay said.
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