From coffee-country Kodagu in Karnataka to the top tier of Indian stardom, Rashmika Mandanna's rise has been remarkably swift. Spotted through modelling, she debuted in the Kannada sleeper hit Kirik Party (2016), then conquered Telugu cinema with Geetha Govindam (2018), whose success earned her a Filmfare Critics Award and the affectionate 'national crush' tag from fans.

Playing Srivalli in Pushpa: The Rise (2021) made her a pan-India name, and she has since appeared in an extraordinary run of blockbusters — Animal, Pushpa 2: The Rule and Chhaava — that sit among the highest-grossing Indian films ever. Critics who questioned the depth of some of those roles were answered by The Girlfriend (2025), her praised portrayal of a woman in a toxic relationship. She married her frequent co-star Vijay Deverakonda.

Filmography Highlights

• Kirik Party (2016) — Kannada debut that became a sleeper blockbuster
• Geetha Govindam (2018) — Telugu breakthrough opposite Vijay Deverakonda
• Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020) — Hit action comedy with Mahesh Babu
• Pushpa: The Rise (2021) — Srivalli in the pan-India phenomenon
• Sita Ramam (2022) — Critically praised supporting turn in the period romance
• Animal (2023) — Hindi blockbuster opposite Ranbir Kapoor
• Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) — SIIMA Best Actress; among India's biggest grossers
• The Girlfriend (2025) — Acclaimed lead role in a toxic-relationship drama

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