Rashmika Mandanna may be celebrated as India’s National Crush, but the actress says fame has not erased her insecurities. In a recent Vogue India conversation, she spoke about the fear of disappointing audiences, criticism and the pressure of appearing natural on camera despite the glamour surrounding her career.
Hyderabad feels like home to Rashmika, who says she can remain energetic even after exhausting shoots. She also admits finding it difficult to say no because she worries about hurting others. Her childhood love for Naruto, discovered at 12, taught her lessons in empathy, perseverance and emotional expression.
While filming a dance sequence for Mysaa, Rashmika suffered a serious hip tendon injury but continued shooting until she could no longer lift her leg. She later documented her recovery humorously on social media, joking about desserts, missed workouts and discovering an unexpected talent for solving puzzles.
Rashmika says language has never been a barrier despite criticism over pronunciation. From Kannada and Telugu films to Tamil and Hindi cinema, she has built a multilingual career. Her upcoming lineup includes Ranabaali, Mysaa, Raaka and Pushpa 3, reflecting her continued focus on varied, challenging roles.