The national crush of India, Rashmika Mandanna, known for her signature charm and powerful performances, graces the cover of Grazia’s November 2024 edition. Set to take the box office by storm with a string of highly anticipated releases, her journey from Kannada cinema to becoming a pan-Indian icon has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for her unforgettable role as Srivalli in Pushpa: The Rise, Rashmika has also delivered memorable performances in hits like Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, and Bheeshma. This steady rise and undeniable talent caught Bollywood’s attention, paving her way to the national stage. In Goodbye, Rashmika shared the screen space with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, marking her stellar debutin the Hindi film industry. She followed this with a standout role in Mission Majnu and dazzled audiences with her role in Animal, alongside Ranbir Kapoor. With her dedication, talent, and unbreakable spirit, Rashmika has earned the tag of “Crushmika” – or the “national crush”– a title that shows no signs of fading anytime soon.
Sharing her views on the evolution of female characters in modern cinema, Rashmika says, “It’s such an exciting time—there’s a real focus on creating strong, multi-dimensional female characters, and it gives us a chance to bring so much more to the screen.”
Talking about the legacy she hopes to leave behind for dreamers like her, she shares, “I’d love for people to smile when they remember me, if they remember me at all. And I hope my journey inspires others to chase their dreams. If a girl from Coorg can make it here, so can you.”
On embracing her authenticity, Rashmika notes, “People connect with the real me. That authenticity brings a lot of love… and sometimes hate. But I understand both, and I welcome them.”
Opening up about her artistic choices across film industries, Rashmika reflects, “Right now, I’m in a phase of consciously choosing scripts that challenge me. It’s not a strategy—I’m just looking for roles that push my boundaries as an actor.” On her commitment to diverse audiences, she adds, “I never want to disappoint my fans, no matter where they’re from.”