From modeling runways in Karnataka to becoming one of Indian cinema’s highest-paid actresses, Rashmika Mandanna‘s journey reads like a modern-day fairytale. With three consecutive blockbusters in 2025—Chhaava, Sikandar, and Thamma—this 29-year-old powerhouse has proven she’s far more than just the “National Crush.” She’s a box-office phenomenon reshaping Indian entertainment.
Rashmika Mandanna: Making of a Pan-India Star
Born on April 5, 1996, in Virajpet, a picturesque town in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, Rashmika comes from a Kodava Hindu family. Her father owns a coffee estate and function hall while her mother is a homemaker. What began with a modeling contest victory evolved into one of the most remarkable careers in contemporary Indian cinema.
Rashmika Mandanna: Quick Profile
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rashmika Mandanna |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Virajpet, Kodagu, Karnataka |
| Education | Psychology Graduate, MIMS College, Bangalore |
| Debut Film | Kirik Party (2016, Kannada) |
| Major Breakthrough | Pushpa: The Rise (2021) |
| Highest Grosser | Pushpa 2: The Rule (₹1800+ crores) |
| Relationship Status | Engaged to Vijay Deverakonda (Oct 2025) |
| @rashmika_mandanna |
2025: The Year Rashmika Conquered Bollywood
While Rashmika established herself in South Indian cinema, 2025 marked her complete domination of Bollywood. She starred in three of the top five Hindi film openers of the year—Chhaava (₹31 crore opening), Sikandar (₹26 crore), and Thamma (₹24 crore)—a feat rarely achieved even by seasoned stars.
Chhaava (February 2025): Directed by Laxman Utekar, this Maratha-era historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal went on to collect a staggering ₹807.91 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. Rashmika portrayed Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale with understated grace.
Sikandar (March 2025): Alongside Salman Khan in this A.R. Murugadoss action drama, she delivered emotional depth that critics praised for “humanizing” the narrative. The film collected ₹184.6 crore globally.
Thamma (October 2025): Part of Maddock Films’ horror comedy universe, Rashmika plays the most physically strong character in the franchise alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
According to IMDb, her versatility across genres from period dramas to horror comedies showcases her remarkable range.
The Pushpa Phenomenon
While 2025 brought Bollywood success, it was the Pushpa franchise that transformed Rashmika into a pan-India sensation. Pushpa 2: The Rule set several box-office records for an Indian film, earning over ₹18 billion worldwide to rank as Indian cinema’s third biggest-grosser, and earned her first Best Actress (Telugu) award at SIIMA.
Her iconic song “Saami Saami” became a cultural phenomenon, with millions recreating it on social media. The chemistry with co-star Allu Arjun created magic that resonated across language barriers, establishing her as a true pan-India sensation.
Personal Life: The Engagement That Broke the Internet
Rashmika and Vijay Deverakonda became engaged in October 2025. The engagement reportedly took place on October 3, 2025, during a private ceremony at Vijay’s residence in Hyderabad. Their relationship, which began on the sets of Geetha Govindam, had been the subject of speculation for years before they made it official.
Previously, Rashmika was engaged to actor Rakshit Shetty in 2017, though that relationship ended before marriage. Her current relationship with Vijay represents a mature partnership between two of South Indian cinema’s biggest stars.
What Sets Rashmika Apart?
In an industry often criticized for typecasting actresses, Rashmika has carefully curated roles that challenge her abilities. From playing a visually-impaired woman in Mission Majnu to performing demanding physical sequences in Thamma, she refuses to be boxed in.
Forbes India featured her in their 30 Under 30 list in 2024, and GQ named her among South India’s highest-paid actresses. As of August 2024, she is the most-followed South Indian actress on Instagram, commanding over 44 million followers who eagerly await her latest updates and projects.
Upcoming Projects: The Future Looks Bright
The Girlfriend (November 2025): A Telugu drama directed by Rahul Ravindran where Rashmika headlines the project, releasing across five languages.
Kuberaa (2025): A Telugu-Tamil bilingual alongside Dhanush, directed by Sekhar Kammula.
Cocktail 2 (2026): Alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in this much-anticipated sequel.
Her selective approach to scripts and willingness to experiment with diverse roles positions her for sustained success in Indian cinema’s evolving landscape.
The Rashmika Effect
Rashmika represents the new generation of Indian actresses who refuse to be limited by language or geography. Her ability to seamlessly transition between Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema while maintaining authenticity in each has inspired countless aspiring actors.
Beyond films, she’s a brand powerhouse, endorsing everything from Lux to Malabar Gold, proving her appeal transcends screen presence. Her journey from a small-town girl to becoming India’s most-followed South actress is inspiring millions pursuing their dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Rashmika Mandanna’s 2025 so special?
Rashmika Mandanna’s 2025 stands out because she became the first actress to star in three of the top five Hindi film openers of the year—Chhaava (₹807.91 crore worldwide), Sikandar, and Thamma. This unprecedented success, combined with Pushpa 2’s record-breaking collections in late 2024, established her as Bollywood’s new box-office powerhouse. Her ability to deliver consistent hits across different genres—from historical epics to action dramas to horror comedies—proves her versatility and mass appeal.
