Rashmika Mandanna, a prominent name in Indian cinema, has recently opened up about the pressures of fame and the duality it creates between her public persona and private self. In a candid interview, the actress discussed how she navigates the expectations and scrutiny that come with being a celebrity, revealing a more grounded and emotional side that contrasts with her carefully crafted public image.

Mandanna, who has achieved pan-India recognition with blockbuster films like "Pushpa: The Rise", acknowledges the existence of a "brand called Rashmika Mandanna" under which she operates. This brand, she explains, is shaped by the constant advice and restrictions imposed by the industry and public perception. "With all the advice people give—'Oh you can't say this, you can't behave like this, you can't do this'—that becomes your online personality," she stated, emphasizing that while it's a part of her, it's not the complete picture.

The actress contrasts this public image with her true self, describing herself as an "old-school person" at heart. "If you see me at home, you will be surprised what an old-school person I am. I will be the one feeding everyone, checking if they have rested well," she shared, highlighting her nurturing and traditional values. She also admitted to struggling with modern trends and social media jargon, further emphasizing the disconnect between her real self and the persona expected of her.

Mandanna also addressed the emotional toll of being constantly in the public eye. She confessed that she is deeply affected by social media scrutiny and online chatter, admitting, "My problem is that I care too much and do get affected by it". She also expressed feeling trapped in a cycle of healing from negativity, only to encounter it again. She hesitates to show her emotions openly, as kindness is often mistaken for weakness or insincerity. "The more real you are, the more unacceptable it becomes," she said.

Despite the challenges, Mandanna remains committed to her craft and continues to balance mainstream cinema with performance-driven roles. Her recent projects include portraying Maharani Yesubai in the period drama "Chhaava," starring opposite Vicky Kaushal, and playing Saisri Rajkot in the action entertainer "Sikandar," alongside Salman Khan. She also starred in the bilingual film "Kuberaa" with Dhanush and Nagarjuna. Her upcoming films include the Hindi film "Thama" with Ayushmann Khurrana and the Telugu drama "The Girlfriend". A photo of Mandanna in a politician's avatar has also sparked speculation about a new project. In addition, she will be seen in "Mysaa," an emotional action thriller where she plays a woman from the Gond community.

Mandanna's journey reflects the duality many celebrities face – the pressure to maintain a perfect public image while staying true to themselves. She recognizes that the fame and success she enjoys can be fleeting, which keeps her grounded and connected to her roots. She credits her family and friends for helping her stay humble and navigate the challenges of stardom. She was also featured in Forbes India's 2024 "30 Under 30" list. Rashmika's success underscores the importance of authenticity and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.