Rashmika Mandanna has rapidly ascended in the film industry, becoming a prominent face across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. With major successes like "Pushpa" and "Animal," the actress has garnered immense fame in a relatively short period. Despite this, she remains grounded, prioritizing bringing joy to her audiences and staying connected to her Coorgi roots.
In a recent interview, Rashmika opened up about the pressures of stardom and how she navigates the challenges of maintaining a curated public persona. She revealed that behind the bubbly, stylish image lies a more emotional and private person. "I am an actor, and I am working under this brand called Rashmika Mandanna," she explained. She contrasts her online personality, shaped by industry advice, with her "old-school" self at home, where she enjoys nurturing and caring for her loved ones.
Several factors contribute to Rashmika's grounded nature. She emphasizes the importance of her family, friends, and team, who provide unwavering support and help her stay connected to what truly matters. Surrounding herself with people who share her values is also crucial. "They're the right kind of people in my life, all of whom believe in being grounded…so that also plays a very important part and really helps," she noted.
Rashmika also recognizes the transient nature of success, which keeps her humble. "When it comes to handling the pressure of success and expectations, I remain fully aware that nothing in life is permanent," she stated. This perspective helps her stay grounded, along with her strong support system.
Moreover, Rashmika focuses on her happiness and well-being, advising others to do the same. While she values constructive criticism, she doesn't let it define her worth, encouraging everyone to pursue their dreams. "Focus on your own happiness and well-being first," she advises. "Of course, it's important to stay open to constructive criticism, but never let it weigh you down or define your worth".
Rashmika admits that she is an emotional person who cares deeply, and online chatter affects her. Over the years, she has learned to heal from negativity and trolling. She believes in kindness and encourages others to let people "breathe," advocating for collective growth rather than bringing others down. "If you can't be kind, then just don't say anything," she asserted. "Let people breathe. Why do you have to suffocate people? Why do you have to strangle people to grow? No, let all of us grow. It's fine. The world's so big, there's room for all of us".
Despite her success, Rashmika remains focused on her craft and constantly seeks to improve. She chooses scripts that challenge her and is determined to showcase quality work throughout her career. "With every film, I challenge myself," she says. "I want people to look back at my career later, and tell me that I've done some mad films".
Ultimately, Rashmika's ability to stay grounded stems from a combination of factors: a strong support system, a focus on personal values, a recognition of the fleeting nature of fame, and a commitment to kindness and continuous self-improvement. These elements allow her to navigate the pressures of stardom while remaining true to herself.
