Rashmika Mandanna Responds to Outrage Over Her ‘Men Should Experience Periods' Remark

Actress Rashmika Mandanna has opened up about her apprehension toward media appearances following backlash over her recent remark on menstrual pain during a promotional interview for her film The Girlfriend. On Jagapathi Babu's Zee5 talk show Jayammu Nischayammu Raa, the host posed a hypothetical question: whether she wished men could experience periods to understand women's monthly struggles. Mandanna responded affirmatively, stating, "Yes, sir. Men should at least get periods once so they know that pain," aiming to highlight empathy for the physical toll of menstruation. The clip, shared as a promo ahead of the episode's premiere, quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and igniting polarized discussions across social media platforms like X and Instagram.

The comment drew swift criticism from sections of the internet, with detractors accusing Mandanna of trivialising men's societal burdens, such as financial pressures, workplace hazards, and emotional suppression. Trending phrases like "Try getting perspective first" and "We all face pain differently" surfaced, as users countered that equating gender-specific experiences fosters division rather than dialogue. While some praised her for spotlighting menstrual health—a topic often stigmatised in conservative Indian households—others labelled it as a publicity stunt timed with her film's release, arguing it perpetuated "Pain Olympics", where sufferings are ranked competitively. Mandanna, known for her candid persona in films like Pushpa: The Rise and Animal, has previously navigated controversies, including deepfake incidents and work-life balance advocacy, but this instance amplified calls for nuanced celebrity discourse on gender issues.

In response to a fan's attempt to defend her intent—clarifying that the remark sought mutual understanding rather than comparison—Mandanna took to X on November 12, 2025, expressing vulnerability about public scrutiny. "This is exactly why I have a fear of going on shows... I speak from the heart, but words get twisted into wars," she wrote, adding that her goal was simply to foster compassion amid everyday realities. The fan's message, which garnered supportive replies, emphasized that Mandanna's words stemmed from personal experiences with dysmenorrhea, a condition affecting up to 90% of women globally according to health experts, often dismissed in professional settings. Her reply resonated with supporters who urged fans to engage constructively, highlighting how viral outrage can deter honest conversations on women's health.

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The episode underscores broader tensions in India's evolving media landscape, where celebrities like Mandanna—bridging Telugu and Hindi cinema with pan-India appeal—face amplified accountability. As The Girlfriend, a romantic drama directed by Rahul Ravindran, hits theaters, the actress's off-screen candor continues to shape her image as a relatable voice, even amid debates. Mental health advocates have since amplified her post, advocating for empathy in online spaces, while reminding that menstrual equity remains a pressing issue, with initiatives like period leave policies gaining traction in workplaces. Mandanna's reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the tightrope artists walk between authenticity and accessibility in the digital age.

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