After the recent controversy with the AI-generated video of Janhvi Kapoor from the song Chuttamalle in Devara Part 1, several South stars spoke up in the actress’s defence. Recently on the second episode of Koffee With Karan Season 9, Rashmika Mandanna addressed how she maintains and protects her onscreen image. The Ranabaali star, who was appearing on the show after her wedding to co-star Vijay Deverakonda for the first time, shared that there are plenty of things that she’s not okay with but has to know when to speak up. She stated that she often discusses things with Vijay to know his perspective on when to speak up or not.
Rashmika Mandanna on speaking about her image for the big screen
When host Karan Johar asked her about how she’s careful about being represented in movies across several Indian industries, indicated that she weighs the situation and when she should speak up and sometimes felt regret in not speaking up as well. She stated, “There are some things which I’m not okay with. See, I know some characters need something like a bikini. But even in that, I’ll say that I’m not comfortable with exposing and [showing skin]. I’m not that kind of person.”
She continued, “But again, when you do commercial films, there will be these costumes that you’re not completely comfortable with, but at the same time, there are lines that I draw for myself. And more often, the directors are okay with it because those are the kind of people I prefer working with. You sort of need to make it easier for the actors to come and ask these questions, because even I find it hard. Sometimes I’m like, I don’t want to do this. But it takes a lot of conversations with Viju.”
Her husband, Vijay, added, “They all need a support system to tell them that it’s okay to put your foot down and say no. People can make you feel, but you’re an actress. But you signed this film. Isn’t this your job? We are not asking too much. You start feeling the pressure of, Am I not being professional?”
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda
More about Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda
Rashmika and Vijay got engaged in October 2025, following several years of dating rumours. The couple was married in Udaipur, Rajasthan, on February 26, 2026, in traditional Telugu Hindu and Kodava ceremonies with their close friends and families in attendance. Their third film together, Ranabaali (2026), was released in theatres last week; they previously starred together in (2018) and Dear Comrade (2019).