Let’s take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of India’s sweetheart, Rashmika Mandanna, as she transformed from a modest girl into a radiant star of the silver screen…

Rashmika Mandanna: The Journey, The Glamour, The Performer

How Rashmika Mandanna blurred the boundaries between regional and mainstream cinema, and became India’s national crush.

One look at actor Rashmika Mandanna’s Instagram profile, and you’ll see a mix of moods: Cute, girl-next-door selfies (the kinds we’d put on our close friends) to glammed, camera-ready portfolio shots – relatability comes easy for the 27-year-old. Animal’s pre-teaser is out at the time of writing this story, and her 38.5 million followers are awaiting her pairing with Ranbir Kapoor, a glimpse of which is yet to be seen. Yes, the Hindi film audience has been falling in love with Rashmika Mandanna – and that is not necessarily the doing of her Bollywood films alone.

In two years, Mandanna went from being a doe-eyed debutante to the first choice of filmmakers in the Kannada and Telugu film industries. A career that commenced in 2016 was already flourishing in 2018 when Mandanna stole the show opposite Vijay Deverakonda in Geetha Govindam, the film that won her the Filmfare South Best Actress (Critics) Award. What followed was a barrage of commercial and critical successes, and it wasn’t long before Bollywood sat up and took notice. She may have made her official Hindi debut with Amitabh Bachchan and Neena Gupta in Goodbye (a feat not many can boast of), but her Srivalli from Pushpa: The Rise had already made her a pan-India star by then.

Mandanna reflects on her blessings and lessons, her journey, and where she sees herself next. Excerpts from the interview below:

2022 started the year with two releases, Varisu and Mission Majnu. What more are you looking forward to?

I have four films that are going to release this year. Also, I am about to start three more new films, about which I cannot talk much as of now as some have not even been announced. Recently Varisu and Mission Majnu released, next will be Animal, which is scheduled for August 11 and a film is going to come at the end of the year. Q. Mission Majnu was the first Hindi film that you shot. How was the experience? A. I was a little apprehensive in the beginning because it was a new team, new people, new film. But after two-three days of shoot, I became very comfortable with the entire team on the set. I and Sidharth bonded over fitness and food. Our shooting schedule was so tight that we used to sit together only during lunch or dinner time.I would definitely give that to Kirik Party, my first film, because back then I thought it was just going to be one film, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll go back home and take care of my dad’s business. Kirik Party was the first time my audience saw me on screen and after the release, I felt like ‘Now this is something that I want to do’. After that, I would say Geetha Govindam. In fact, every film I’ve done has gotten me where I am today and has taken me a step higher.

How has the journey been in Bollywood so far?

I am very happy. I was a little nervous in the beginning but the love and warmth that I have received from Bollywood have been absolutely amazing and I am really grateful. I love Mumbai. It feels great. Q. You have worked in different film industries. Do you feel any difference? A. To be honest, nothing to be specific. I truly believe there is no difference between industries, rather the difference comes from the team you are working with. I made a debut in Kannada and then after that, till now I have worked in 5 different industries. But, I felt no difference, rather it’s the character, the story, and the team you are working with, which makes the difference.

You have worked in different film industries. Do you feel any difference?

To be honest, nothing to be specific. I truly believe there is no difference between industries, rather the difference comes from the team you are working with. I made a debut in Kannada and then after that, till now I have worked in 5 different industries. But, I felt no difference, rather it’s the character, the story, and the team you are working with, which makes the difference.

Pushpa’s Srivalli got you recognition across the world. As an actor, how exciting it is, to have people know you by your character name?

Right from the beginning of my career, I have done completely different types of characters with which people have recognized me. There is Saanvi, Geeta, and now it’s Srivalli. Of course, Pushpa 2 will again give Srivalli a new height, which will be even bigger. But I hope that my next role is also strong enough that the audience starts knowing me by the name of that character. Only, then it will be my true win. My motivation and my goal is to play these amazing characters and being called by the character names. It feels great.