As the new year 2026 begins, Rashmika Mandanna finds herself in a contemplative mood while in Rome. With a career spanning nine years and 26 films, the acclaimed actress reveals that her greatest achievement is not fame, but the sense of family she has built along her journey. In a candid conversation with Bangalore Times, she discusses her introverted nature, the 'National Crush' label, online trolling, and her commitment to prioritizing mental well-being.
Beyond the Spotlight: An Introvert at Heart
Despite her vibrant presence at national and global events, Rashmika Mandanna describes herself as an introvert. "The outside world assumes I'm an extrovert, and yes, at public events I manage — I do okay. But once work is done, I rarely step out," she confesses. The actress, now 29, prefers the comfort of her home and her core group of trusted friends. She attributes her resilience to her upbringing and hostel life, emphasizing the importance of surrounding herself with positive energy and people on similar healing journeys.
Navigating Fame: Labels, Trolls, and Authenticity
The tag of 'National Crush' amuses Rashmika, though she doesn't let it define her. "I don't even know when this label caught on," she laughs, accepting it as a gesture of fan love. She firmly states that social media reveals only about 50% of her true self, and she refuses to be boxed in by any label. A key to her connection with her Gen Z audience is her authenticity online. Beyond curated brand posts, she doesn't shy away from showing her flaws in personal updates, believing this realness fosters a genuine bond.
When playful whispers about a possible February wedding arose with the new year, Rashmika chose to laugh it off, keeping that chapter of her life private. Her focus remains on her work and well-being.
The Real Success: Family, Team, and Survival
For Rashmika, success is a shared victory. "I've never celebrated wins, and honestly, I don't even know if I'm successful. What truly matters to me is my family and my core group," she shares. She credits her entire team for her accomplishments and expresses deep gratitude for the opportunities that came her way without chase. This perspective is rooted in her survivor's mentality, forged during her hostel days. "Throw me into any situation and I'll do just fine. That's who I am — Rashmika has always been a survivor," she asserts, explaining her ease in working across multiple film industries and languages.
A Personal Project: The Message of 'The Girlfriend'
Her first solo film, 'The Girlfriend', holds a special place in her heart. The script, narrated by director Rahul Ravindran, moved her to tears as it articulated emotions she had long struggled to express. Playing the character Bhooma was a deeply personal experience; in some scenes, she requested no dialogue, letting her eyes convey the raw emotion. The film's story of enduring toxicity resonated deeply with her.
"There's a clear difference between masculinity and toxicity. Being a man is not about silencing a woman," she states. Rashmika hopes the film serves as a warm hug to young boys and girls who have faced similar situations and expresses a desire to work more in the mental health space in the future.
Rashmika Mandanna's journey began with winning the Bangalore Times Fresh Face title in 2014, which launched her modeling career and paved the way for her successful transition into Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. Today, with 26 films behind her, her heart feels full—not from stardom, but from the family she has found along the way.
