Kannada film star Rishab Shetty’s popularity has skyrocketed after the phenomenal success of his film Kantara, which continues to rule the box office even after an almost two-month-long run in cinema halls.

In what is being touted to be a tit-for-tat response, Kannada movie star Rishab Shetty has publicly dismissed a question about working with Rashmika Mandanna. Rishab was asked to pick an actor among Rashmika, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh and Sai Pallavi who he would like to work in his film.

Without naming names, Rishab made no bones about his bitter feelings towards Rashmika.  "I decide my actors once I finish my script. I prefer working with newcomers as they come with no barriers. “I don’t like such (makes the sign of air quotes) types of actor. But, I like the work of Sai Pallavi ji and Samantha ji very much,” said the Kantara star during a recent video Lauding Sai Pallavi and Samantha's work, he said 'I like their work.' He then called them true artists. Rishab also highlighted that the aforementioned actress is one of the finest performers in recent times, without mentioning Rashmika Mandanna.

For those unaware of what caused such a reaction from Rishab Shetty. Rashmika Mandanna used air quotes to refer to the production house which was founded by Rishab Shetty and Rakshit Shetty, to whom she was engaged to. Rishab and Rakshit are good friends and they co-founded Paramvah Studios.

It looks like Rishab took offence to the way Rashmika referred to their production house. He said in the same interview that Samantha and Sai Pallavi are ‘real artists’ and the best actresses right now. He hoped that Samantha would get better soon and come back soon, as the audience loved her.