Exclusive: Rashmika Mandanna on what makes her nervous staying real on social media and more

Few stars speak the language of Gen Z quite like Rashmika Mandanna. Effortlessly warm, endlessly energetic and refreshingly real, she has carved a space for herself as one of Indian cinema’s most loved young stars. Whether she’s sharing snippets of her workout routine, championing comfort-first fashion or opening up about the highs and lows of her journey, there’s an honesty about her that feels instantly relatable. Behind the blockbuster films and ever-growing pan-India fan following is someone who has never lost sight of who she is. Confident without being intimidating, glamorous without feeling distant, and always unapologetically herself, Rashmika continues to prove that authenticity is her greatest superpower. Excerpts from a quick chat...


In a world where social media often pushes everyone towards the same lifestyle, how important is it for you to stay authentic and have a personality that isn’t influenced by trends?
Authenticity comes naturally when you’re not trying too hard to fit into a certain image. I’ve always enjoyed sharing life as it is, whether it’s a random thought, a fun outing with friends, a workout session or simply travelling. What people see on my social media is very close to who I am in real life, and I think that’s what helps me stay genuine.

Do you think authenticity is more important now than ever? What is the one quality that you believe sets you apart?
Authenticity matters more today than ever because we’re living in a world that’s constantly telling us who we should be. Social media, trends and opinions can make it very easy to lose yourself while trying to meet other people’s expectations. For me, success isn’t about creating the perfect image. It’s about staying true to yourself and to your audience, even as you evolve. People can always sense honesty, and that’s what makes authenticity timeless.

Being an actor comes with its fair share of expectations. People are often quick to judge celebrities. How do you deal with the constant attention from fans and the media?
Being an actor means you’re constantly in the public eye, and being judged comes with the territory. Over the years, I’ve realised that while you can’t control every opinion, you can control how you respond to it. I choose to focus on my work, stay true to who I am and let my journey speak for itself. Thankfully, the love and support I receive have always been far louder than the noise.

As an artiste, which films have shaped your career? Which characters have been the most special to you?
Every film has shaped me in some way, but a few hold a very special place in my heart. Kirik Party gave me my first big break, Geetha Govindam helped me connect with audiences across the country, Pushpa: The Rise became a cultural phenomenon, while Animal and Chhaava challenged me in completely different ways as an actor. These films have been defining milestones in my journey.

With Gen Z becoming increasingly self-aware, unapologetic individuality is gaining momentum. What are your thoughts on that?
I love it. Every generation encourages the next to be a little braver, and Gen Z is very comfortable embracing what makes them different. That’s something worth celebrating. Individuality isn’t something people should hide. It’s something they should wear with pride.

Creator culture is encouraging people to find their niche and pursue what they do best. Do you think it has helped young people discover their voice?
Absolutely. Earlier, opportunities were far more limited. Today, creators are showing that there are many different ways to build a career and make an impact. It’s inspiring because people are being recognised for their unique talents and perspectives instead of trying to fit into one definition of success. The focus has shifted towards celebrating individuality and allowing every person’s uniqueness to shine.

What still makes you nervous after all these years?
Every new film and every release still makes me nervous. No matter how many years you’ve been in the industry, you’re putting a piece of your heart out there for the world to see. I think those butterflies are a good thing because they remind you how much you care.

Tell us about your personal style and how it has evolved over the years. Do you see fashion as a form of self-expression?
Absolutely. Fashion is one of the simplest ways to express yourself without saying a word. Over the years, my relationship with style has evolved a lot. On most days, you’ll find me in oversized trousers and a fitted tee, paired with a few simple accessories and my favourite footwear. It’s effortless, comfortable and feels very ‘me’. Whatever I’m wearing, I want it to reflect who I am and how I’m feeling at that moment.

How important is the right footwear in helping a woman feel confident?
It’s incredibly important. When you’re comfortable, confidence comes naturally. If you’ve seen my airport looks, you’ll know that I naturally gravitate towards easy, understated styling, comfortable co-ords, oversized tees and pieces that allow me to move freely. That’s why I believe the right footwear can make such a difference. It fits seamlessly into my everyday lifestyle because it’s comfortable, versatile and lets me express my personality in a fun way.

You’re most comfortable in...
Cropped tees or relaxed co-ords, comfortable joggers or denims, a cap and minimal accessories.

Tell us three things you do to stay fit and fabulous.
I make time for strength training and functional workouts, eat clean while maintaining balance, and make sure I get enough sleep and recovery. For me, feeling fit isn’t just about looking good. It’s about having the energy and the right mindset to give my best every single day.

What’s the most prized possession in your wardrobe?
That’s a tough one because I’m not someone who’s overly attached to material things. But if I had to choose, it would probably be my pair of Swarovski x Crocs. It’s a collaboration between two brands that
I genuinely love, and they’re both stylish and incredibly comfortable.

ALso Read: Rashmika Mandanna Opens Up on Serious Hip Injury: 'The Pain Is Bearable'