Rashmika Mandanna is one of the most prominent and popular young actresses in Indian cinema today
She is often referred to by the media and her fans as the “National Crush of India” for her warm screen presence, wide-reaching appeal, and social media charisma.
In this article you will find her early life, education, family background, career journey (with major milestones), filmography and statistics, personal life, public image, achievements, and some frequently-asked questions.
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Table of Contents
Rashmika Mandanna’s Biography
Early Life & Family Background
Rashmika Mandanna was born on 5 April 1996 in Virajpet (also spelled Virajapete), in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka.1
Her parents are Madan Mandanna (father) and Suman Mandanna (mother). Her father owns a coffee estate and a function hall in her hometown, while her mother is a homemaker.
She has a younger sister named Shiman. Rashmika has often spoken about how she helped raise her younger sister and felt at times like a maternal figure to her.
Even though she comes from a relatively comfortable background with her father owning a coffee estate, Rashmika has spoken of early financial constraints and personal shyness during her school years.
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— Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) November 13, 2025
For example, she says she often felt misunderstood and found it difficult to connect with peers when she was at boarding school.
She did her schooling at Coorg Public School (in Gonikoppal, Kodagu) and completed her higher secondary at Mysore Institute of Commerce and Arts, Mysore. 2
For her undergraduate studies, Rashmika attended M. S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science & Commerce in Bengaluru, where she studied Psychology, Journalism and English Literature.
From her early life we can see a combination of small-town roots, a strong household backing, modest beginnings, and a clear intention to study and grow beyond just acting. She has acknowledged that she did not always picture herself as an actress from the very beginning.
Entry into Modelling & Film
Before entering films, Rashmika Mandanna began her public recognition through modelling and pageants. In 2014, she won the “Clean & Clear Fresh Face” contest which gave her early visibility and modelling opportunities.
Her modelling exposure and growing confidence led her to the Kannada film industry. She made her acting debut with the 2016 Kannada film Kirik Party, which became a commercial hit.
Her debut surfaced a star in the making, and she won the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) for Best Debut Actress – Kannada.3
From that point she built on momentum, with subsequent Kannada films like Anjani Putra (2017) and Chamak (2017) further raising her profile.
This period established her as a rising talent in Kannada cinema before she transitioned to Telugu and pan-Indian films.
Breakthrough & Rise in Indian Cinema
Rashmika’s breakthrough to pan-Indian fame came with the Telugu romantic comedy Geetha Govindam (2018), opposite actor Vijay Deverakonda.
The film was a massive hit, and her performance received widespread acclaim.
Following Geetha Govindam, she starred in films such as Dear Comrade (2019) and Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020) which further cemented her appeal in Telugu cinema.
A turning point in her career was the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise (Part 1) in which she played the role of “Srivalli” alongside Allu Arjun. The film became a nationwide blockbuster and introduced her to Hindi-speaking audiences as well. 4
She then made her Bollywood (Hindi) debut with the film Goodbye (2022) starring Amitabh Bachchan and others.
Soon after she also took up further Hindi films, including Animal (2023) with Ranbir Kapoor.
Rashmika thus transitioned very effectively from regional cinema (Kannada) to Telugu to pan-Indian presence, including Hindi films.
Her multilingual fluency (or at least her efforts in multiple languages), her on-screen appeal, and wide fan base across India have all contributed to her “pan-India actress” label.
Career Milestones & Highlights
| Year | Film | Languages / Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Kirik Party | Kannada | Debut film; earned strong recognition. |
| 2017 | Anjani Putra / Chamak | Kannada | Consolidated her popularity in Kannada cinema. |
| 2018 | Geetha Govindam | Telugu | Major breakout hit; national attention. |
| 2019 | Dear Comrade | Telugu | Showcased her ability in a more serious role. |
| 2020 | Sarileru Neekevvaru / Bheeshma | Telugu | Continued commercial success. |
| 2021 | Pushpa: The Rise | Telugu / pan-India | Large blockbuster; elevated her to national star. |
| 2022 | Goodbye | Hindi | Bollywood debut. |
| 2023 | Animal | Hindi | Major commercial film in Hindi. |
Personal Life
Rashmika Mandanna’s public image is defined by her approachable charm, lively personality, and strong social media presence. She is often described as friendly, down-to-earth, and relatable despite her star status.
She has spoken openly about her early shyness, the transition from a small town (Virajpet) to being a national star, and the importance of grounded values. Her connection with her family and her acknowledgment of her roots often figure in interviews.
She also holds the title “National Crush of India,” a tag given by media evaluating her wide national appeal.
In fashion and lifestyle, she has become a trend-setter. Her outings, brand associations and style choices are widely covered in entertainment media. For example, she has walked fashion events and been featured in high-end style editorials. 5
As for her personal relationships, she was reported to have been engaged to actor Rakshit Shetty in 2017, though they parted ways.
Her social media following is extensive and she often uses those platforms to connect with fans, share behind-the-scenes glimpses and interact informally.
Achievements & Awards
Rashmika Mandanna’s career has been decorated with awards and honours, along with commercial success.
Some of her key achievements:
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Won Best Debut Actress (Kannada) at SIIMA for Kirik Party.
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Won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (South) for Geetha Govindam.
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Featured in Forbes India’s “30 Under 30” list (2024).
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Recognised among the highest-paid young actresses in South India.
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Her film Pushpa: The Rise became a nationwide sensation and one of the highest-grossing Indian films in its language domain, giving her strong national visibility.
These achievements reflect her growth from regional cinema to a pan-Indian (and increasingly international) star.
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Challenges, Criticisms & Learning Moments
No actor’s journey is without its hurdles, and Rashmika’s life is no exception.
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She has admitted to initial struggles in connecting with peers during boarding school, and grappling with self-confidence.
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As she rose to fame, she also faced scrutiny (as many actresses do) regarding her film choices, language fluency (given her Kannada roots and work in non-Kannada industries), and public persona. Some of the criticism has emerged from regional fans feeling a star has moved beyond their language base. For example, fan discussions note issues of regional identity and support.
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She has emphasised learning languages (like Telugu and Hindi) for her roles, which indicates a process of growth and adaptation.
What stands out is her willingness to learn, evolve, and expand her craft from modelling to regional cinema to national films. Her trajectory shows an actor consciously stepping out of comfort zones and accepting pan-Indian opportunities.
Upcoming Projects & Future Outlook
Rashmika Mandanna has several upcoming films and projects that reflect her ambition and the growing trust filmmakers place in her.
For example, reports indicate she will appear in the sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) opposite Allu Arjun, which promises to be a large scale production.
Given her rapid ascent, multilingual appeal, and strong brand value, her future looks robust. She is now positioned not just as a regional star but as a national actress whose potential continues to expand.
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FAQ’s
Q1. What is Rashmika Mandanna’s full name and nickname?
A1. Her full name is Rashmika Mandanna. She is often affectionately called “Crushmika” by fans and media due to the “national crush” tag.
Q2. When and where was she born?
A2. She was born on 5 April 1996 in Virajpet (Kodagu district), Karnataka, India.
Q3. Which languages does she work in?
A3. She works predominantly in Kannada and Telugu films, and also in Tamil and Hindi films.
Q4. What was her debut film?
A4. Her debut film was Kirik Party (2016) in Kannada.
Q5. Which film gave her national visibility?
A5. Pushpa: The Rise (2021) gave her a pan-India presence, beyond just the southern language markets.
Q6. Has she won major awards?
A6. Yes. She has won awards such as Best Debut Actress (Kannada) at SIIMA and Filmfare Critics Award (South). She has also been listed in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30.
Q7. What is her education background?
A7. She completed her schooling at Coorg Public School (Kodagu), higher secondary at Mysore Institute of Commerce & Arts, Mysore, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Journalism & English Literature from M. S. Ramaiah College, Bengaluru.
Q8. Is she active on social media and endorsements?
A8. Yes. She has a large social media following, is involved in brand endorsements, and is frequently featured in fashion and lifestyle media. Her overall brand value is strong.
Q9. What films are upcoming for her?
A9. As of 2025 she has upcoming films listed such as Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) among others.
Q10. What makes her stand out as an actress?
A10. Rashmika Mandanna stands out for her ease in front of camera, ability to adapt to different language industries, strong fan connect, commercial viability, and her image of relatability & freshness. Her quick transition from regional to national cinema is also notable.
Conclusion
From her roots in Virajpet, Kodagu district of Karnataka, to her current status as one of India’s most loved young actresses, Rashmika Mandanna’s journey is inspiring. She combined education, modelling opportunities and strong early work in Kannada films to build her foundation. Her breakthrough in Telugu cinema and expansion into Hindi language films show her ambition and adaptability.
The story of Rashmika Mandanna is one of talent, timing, and perseverance. She did not rest on her early success but embraced new languages, broader audiences and more challenging roles. At a young age she has achieved commercial success, critical acclaim, wide fan support and considerable brand value.
As she steps forward into bigger projects and solidifies her position as a pan-Indian actress, the coming years will likely see her take on more diverse roles and perhaps explore new formats (OTT, web series, etc) as well. For fans and film-industry observers alike, she is a star to watch.
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