In a light-hearted exchange, Rashmika said that "men should experience periods at least once" to understand the pain women endure each month.
The remark quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions online. While some users supported her sentiment, others accused the actor of being insensitive towards men.
Fans reactions
Amid the backlash, one of Rashmika's fans took to X to clarify the intent behind her words, writing:
"Rashmika's perspective on men having periods. Sometimes we only want our pain & emotions to be understood. It was never about comparison or diminishing male responsibilities, but fragile egos chose to twist it that way."
Rashmika responded to the post, expressing frustration at being misunderstood:
"And this no one will talk about.. The fear of going to shows and interviews is this for me.. I mean something, and it's taken in something else entirely."
Several fans came to her defence, agreeing that her comments were taken out of context.
What Rashmika said on the show
When host Jagapathi Babu asked whether she genuinely believed men should experience periods, Rashmika replied affirmatively:
"Yes. I want them to get periods at least once, to know the pain and trauma. Due to hormonal imbalance, we feel emotions we don't understand. And you can't show that pressure on men because, no matter how much you explain, they don't understand the feeling. So, if men get periods just once, let them understand what period pain is like."
She also shared her personal struggles, revealing:
"I get such horrible period pain that I have even fainted once because of it. I've done numerous tests and consulted doctors, but nobody knows why it happens. Every month, I wonder, 'God, why are you torturing me so much?' I feel like anyone can only understand it when they experience it. Which is why I think men should get periods at least once."
Rashmika was last seen in Aditya Sarpotdar's 'Thamma'. The actor also made headlines recently after getting engaged to long-time friend and actor Vijay Deverakonda in October.