Why Did Actor Nani Apologise To Rashmika Mandanna? 5 Things To Know

Actor Nani from the upcoming film, Hi Nanna, has apologised for allegedly stirring controversy during the film's promotions in Vishakapatnam. During the promotional event, a photograph of actors Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika Mandanna together was displayed on the screen, after which netizens were curious about the duo's relationship. Rumours about their relationship started circulating due to the photograph, and Nani came forward to apologise for the stunt.

Directed by debutant Shouryuv, Hi Nanna is a Telugu family romantic drama set to release this week, with promotional events going in full swing. Here is what went down at the Vishakapatnam event.

5 Facts About the Rashmika-Devarakonda-Nani Controversy

Private photos exposed

Netizens were surprised and left curious after an unseen photograph of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Devarakonda in a pool, enjoying a vacation together, was displayed on screen during the Hi Nanna promotions. During a light-hearted game at the event, the film's lead actress, Mrunal Thakur was shown various photographs of actors and asked to give her reaction. One of the photos was a private photo of Mandanna and Devarakonda, after which she was left uncomfortable.

Breach of privacy

Soon after the photo was displayed on the screen, the Hi Nanna actors and anchor of the show were left surprised and awkward. Suma, the anchor, apologised immediately as the photo was displayed, and even questioned the organisers and photographers at the event about not respecting Mandanna and Devarakonda's privacy.

"Don't know how they got there," states Nani

Hi Nanna's male lead Nani stated that the photograph was accidentally left on the slideshow. In an interview with Telugu news platform, M9, Nani said, "It’s unfortunate that happened. Even before I realised what was happening, the picture was taken down... It’s a movie event, not one for a gossip website for us to pull such stunts." Nani added that neither he nor the anchor of the promo event, Suma, knew that the photo was added to the slideshow.

Nani's friendship with Rashmika and Devarakonda

Nani further said in the M9 interview that Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Devarakonda are good friends of his. He added that he called and apologised to the duo, who he said did not mind the stunt. "We are all close friends. Vijay and Rashmika realise these things are happening. But, if someone was truly hurt by it, the team and I apologise for it," he said.

Rashmika-Devarakonda relationship

Netizens have been curious about Mandanna and Devarakonda's relationship since they starred together in Geetha Govindam (2018) and Dear Comrade (2019). The duo has been a rumoured couple for a long time, with even their co-actors like Ranbir Kapoor hinting at it publicly in interviews. The photograph from Hi Nanna promotions further added fuel to the fire, with many taking it as a confirmation of their relationship.