Awhile back, actor Rashmika Mandanna took to social media to talk about anxiety and fear of failure. “Our insecurities mostly come with, ‘I want to do something but I don’t know if I’ll be able to because I’m too scared’. We tend to overthink our fears and obstacles, but once we overcome them, it will appear very easy,” she tells us from Paris. So, has she ever felt these emotions? “I would be lying if I said that I don’t experience it at all. Over time, as you gain confidence and begin to trust the people around you and yourself, you overcome your fear of failure,” she explains.

On the work front, Mandanna is all set to make a debut in Bollywood. She has worked in the film industries down South for the past five years, but Bollywood happens to be a new experience for her. 

Admitting that it requires actors to be visible even beyond the screen, she says, “The fraternity has only been showing love. I hope it continues. The pap culture — wanting to see and click me — is special. It’s always nerve-wracking when you’re entering a new set, but once you break the ice, it’s fun.”

It’s interesting that her friend and peer, actor Vijay Deverakonda, with whom she has worked in Geetha Govindam (2018) and Dear Comrade (2019), will be making his Hindi debut around the same time as her.

The 25-year-old says, “I’m grateful that I could do such wonderful films with Vijay. He’s an amazing co-star. I wish him all the best! There are some great things happening with Liger, and I hope the film works well. He has my best regards and support.”