Actor Vijay Deverakonda has responded sharply to online criticism of his marriage to Rashmika Mandanna, declaring that the couple is happy together and dismissing those targeting their relationship. His statement came shortly after Mandanna addressed the backlash herself, defending her feelings for her husband and asking critics to leave their families out of the controversy.

The exchange follows the couple’s appearance on Karan Johar’s Koffee With Karan 9, where their discussion about marriage and the circumstances surrounding their proposal sparked debate on social media.

Sharing a post on Instagram on Monday, Vijay described Rashmika as his best friend and one of the best parts of his life. He said the two were happy together and that he felt fortunate to have their marriage.

"For all those concerned, We are both gloriously happy. I am blessed. If its me and her against the world - so be it," he wrote.

The actor ended his message with a blunt response to those criticising the couple: "Now, with absolutely no intended kindness or respect, everyone else can go f*** themselves (sic)."

Rashmika says she would choose Vijay even after 1,000 proposals

Rashmika had shared her own response minutes before Vijay’s post, publishing a five-slide note addressing the criticism surrounding their relationship.

The actor said she would have no hesitation in proposing to Vijay even 1,000 times, adding that she would continue choosing him and the life they had built together.

She also sought to clarify the exchange discussed on the show, saying it had been interpreted without its full context. According to Rashmika, the conversation was not about demanding an elaborate proposal but about ensuring both partners had enough time to understand each other before making a lifelong commitment.

"Yes, that conversation happened. But neither of us was looking for a grand proposal," she wrote.

She explained that the couple wanted to be certain they were ready to navigate the highs and lows of life together before deciding to marry.

Addressing comments suggesting that she was more invested in the relationship than Vijay, Rashmika questioned why expressing deep affection had become a subject of criticism.

"And yes, I am OBSESSED with my man. When did that become a bad thing? If I'm not IN LOVE with the man I'm marrying, then why in the world would I marry him (sic)," she said.

Rashmika also drew a distinction between criticism directed at her and remarks about her relatives. While saying she could handle personal trolling, she objected to people targeting her family without knowing them, describing such behaviour as bullying disguised as feminism.

How the proposal story triggered backlash

The controversy gained momentum after Vijay and Rashmika discussed their relationship on the second episode of Koffee With Karan Season 9.

During the conversation, Rashmika recalled being at an airport with Vijay when she suggested that they get married. According to her account, Vijay responded by asking her to propose to him 100 times.

When host Karan Johar expressed surprise and asked whether she had asked him that many times, Rashmika said she had continued doing so for an entire year.

The anecdote prompted some viewers to question the dynamics of their relationship. Social media posts criticised Vijay’s response, with some users interpreting the story as an indication that Rashmika had been more eager to marry than he was. Others questioned the couple’s chemistry during the episode, while Vijay was labelled a "red flag" in several posts.

One Instagram user shared a clip of the couple with the caption: "At this point, Rashmika loves Vijay and Vijay also loves Vijay."

Vijay explains how his views on love changed

During the episode, Vijay reflected on how his approach to relationships had evolved over time. He said that in earlier interviews, he had spoken dismissively about love because he did not believe in the concept.

The actor attributed that outlook partly to his focus on ambition, career growth and financial success. For years, he said, he viewed anything that did not contribute to those goals as a distraction.

Vijay explained that his feelings for Rashmika developed gradually, eventually making him realise that he wanted her to be part of his life.

He also described himself as sensitive beneath his outwardly tough personality, saying past emotional hurt had made him protective of himself. He acknowledged that Rashmika had to deal with those insecurities, adding that their relationship had since become beautiful.

Vijay further revealed that he eventually proposed to Rashmika during their sangeet ceremony. He had initially planned to do so in Italy in December, ahead of their February wedding, but was unable to find the right ring.

Couple married in February

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna married in Udaipur on February 26, 2026. Their wedding ceremonies incorporated both Telugu and Kodava traditions.

The couple’s responses to the latest controversy have made clear that they do not want public speculation to define their relationship. While Rashmika defended her decision to express her love openly, Vijay reaffirmed his happiness in the marriage and dismissed the criticism directed at them.