Pushpa Arun Kumar, mother of superstar Yash and producer of the upcoming Kannada film Kothalavadi, starring Pruthvi Ambaar, is all set to release her debut production on August 1. Before launching the film's promotional campaign, Pushpa and her team visited the memorial of Dr Rajkumar recently to offer prayers, a gesture symbolising her deep respect for the icons of Kannada cinema. “For us, this place is like a temple. Dr Raj is the soul of Kannada cinema. I’ve always had a strong emotional bond with Appu (Puneeth Rajkumar) as well. When Yash was just five months old, I took him along to watch Anuraga Aralithu. I’ve even shown Kasturi Nivasa to my grandson. That family has always had a spiritual place in our hearts,” she said. But it was her unfiltered, no-nonsense talk with the media that stole the spotlight and sparked a fresh wave of speculation: Is everything fine between Yash and his mother?
Pushpa doesn’t believe in emotional frills. Much like the late Rebel Star Ambareesh, she is direct, grounded, and unapologetically honest, even when the questions are about her famous son. She made it clear that her entry into the film industry is not backed by Yash’s stardom but by her own conviction. When asked whether Yash would join the promotions, she replied, “Yash? Go ask him. I won’t speak on his behalf. If you manage to catch him, let me know, even if I haven't seen him. If I can't get hold of him, what makes you think you will?” Asked whether Yash’s support was expected for her first film, she dismissed the idea. “Our family doesn’t run on sentiments. Even if Yash weren’t available for our housewarming, we still would’ve gone ahead with it. We don’t wait for anyone. That kind of emotional drama doesn’t work for us.”
When someone asked whether Yash and his wife, Radhika Pandit, would at least watch the first-day-first-show, Pushpa responded with her trademark clarity: “Ask them! If I invite you and you don’t show up, what can I do?” And when the reporter reminded her, “But he’s your son,” she snapped back, “Just because he’s my son doesn’t mean he listens to me. There are no such rules in our house.” She also confirmed that while Yash has seen the teaser, no one—not even family—has been shown the full film yet. “Whether Yash watches or not, I’m not bothered. What matters is what the audience thinks, not my son’s opinion. If Yash watches and praises the film, will that bring my money back? Will that make it a success? I need the audience’s verdict. Fans of Sudeep, Darshan, Yash, and Dhruva Sarja, let everyone come and watch. Their feedback is what matters.” When asked if she had spoken to Yash lately, Pushpa was forthright. “No. We haven’t spoken. He has a wife now. Why should I talk to him? Once he got married, my role was done. She should handle everything.”
She also commented on the Ramayana glimpse, saying, "I haven't watched it and not thought about it, but we want big producers and banners in Kannada; let them make Ramayana in Kannada." Her blunt and fearless remarks have triggered varied reactions online, with some speculating about the mother-son relationship, others praising Pushpa's brutal honesty, and others lauding her business acumen. With Kothalavadi set for release, one thing is certain: Pushpa Arun Kumar has entered the industry on her terms. Whether or not Yash joins her, she has already made her statement: she’s not here for sentiment. She’s here to make movies.
