In this intimate Cover Star conversation with Anupama Chopra, Rashmika Mandanna reflects on a landmark 2025 that saw her deliver five diverse releases—from the blockbuster Chhaava opposite Vicky Kaushal to the deeply personal The Girlfriend directed by Rahul Ravindran. Rashmika opens up about her journey from Coorg to becoming one of Indian cinema’s most versatile stars, her struggles with being a people pleaser, and how playing Bhooma Devi finally gave her peace as an actor after nine years of feeling she had something to prove.
The actress discusses her instinctive approach to performance, her relationship with Vijay Deverakonda, her upcoming pan-Indian action film Mysaa, and why kindness remains non-negotiable in a brutal industry. From her collaboration with Sukumar on Pushpa to working with Allu Arjun and Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika reveals the emotional depths behind her stardom—and why The Girlfriend’s overwhelming response left her wanting to hold the world in a warm embrace.
00:00 Introduction
03:05 Linguistic and artistic fluidity in cinema
04:26 Discussing The Girlfriend’s deeper meaning
06:01 Relating personally to Bhooma’s character
08:21 Improving at saying no over time
11:06 Acting without formal training explained
16:59 Magic happens in first few takes
19:17 Directors talking during live shots
21:53 Minimal prep keeps performances authentic
26:04 Struggling to take Sundays off
28:56 Finding peace after The Girlfriend
35:02 Why sustaining success is harder for women
39:24 Pushing boundaries with unexpected roles
43:37 Viewing herself as a brand
46:41 Kindness as an underrated personality trait
50:56 Managing life across multiple cities
53:48 Rashmika’s 10/10 must-watch picks for your IMDb Watchlist
#RashmikaMandanna #TheGirlfriend #CoverStar
She don’t deserve to be a star unless you carry your growth with yourself with respect.
Rashmika ❤
1:13 thank you ma’am!such a kind person.❤
When you speak about yourself in third person.. god save you!
Not her fan but this answers her past engagement (couldn’t say no) and some issues which ppl make fun of her and mock her, bless her she was better in Thamma and good in Girlfriend
Wish to see Rashmika in sanjay leela bansali ,s movie .
Anupama doing Alia promotion
What a fabulous journey she is having, despite being attacked by the evil people of a state, infamous for its language terrorism and hate.
Which Bollywood pair looks good on screen.
1.Ranbir Kapoor × Kirti Sanon
2.Vicky Kaushal × Shraddha Kapoor
3.Vicky Kaushal × Kirti Sanon
3.Kartik Aaryan × Rashmika Mandanna
4.Ranveer Singh × Shraddha Kapoor
5.Kartik Aaryan × Shraddha Kapoor
6.Ranveer Singh × Kirti Sanon
7.Ranveer Singh × Rashmika Mandanna
You interview an actor, a person who takes her career seriously and is a thorough professional, who refuses to comment on her love life, and yet, of all the things she so beautifully articulated, you chose to put a quote exclusively about her love life on the thumbnail? That’s a total invalidation of her work ethic and this interview itself!