As she ushers in 2026, Rashmika Mandanna, who is currently in Rome, is in a reflective frame of mind. Nine years into her career and 26 films down the line, the actor says her biggest takeaway hasn’t been stardom, but the sense of family she has found along the way. In a conversation with us, Rashmika speaks about being dubbed the ‘National Crush’, dealing with online trolling, and learning to put her mental health first. And, as the new year sparks playful whispers of a possible February wedding, we couldn’t resist asking. She laughs it off, “Well, I’m not going to answer that!”, choosing to keep that chapter of her life firmly private.

​Talking about the ‘national crush’ label fans have given her, she says, “I don’t even know when this label caught on. The love from fans has been incredibly gracious, and if this term comes from their goodwill, I accept it with gratitude. It amuses me, but it also makes me wonder how much warmth they carry in their hearts for me. Do I feel boxed in by it? Not at all. There’s still mystery attached to me. Social media may make people feel they know everything about me, but that’s barely 50 per cent. There’s so much I keep to myself – and I don’t let any label create walls or typecast me.”

​Rashmika says that her easy connection with Gen Z comes from staying real. She adds, “I interact a lot with fans, and many of them are Gen Z. They connect with me because I don’t project a perfect life. Social media is their world, so they see my life through that lens. I never shy away from showing my flaws in personal posts. That’s also why I always oblige the paps or anyone who wants a picture – it’s just fun banter and a quick selfie. What do you lose by being kind?” she questions, adding, “There’s also a part of me that lives away from public eyes. But if I had to tell Gen Z one thing, it would be to never give in to the idea of perfection or trade your authenticity.”

Talking about the trolling that sometimes comes her way, she shares, “Online cruelty still baffles me. People can be mean without knowing you. But I’ve learnt not to carry it. We take life too seriously. Love us, or don’t; it’s okay.”

​About working across industries, going pan-India and learning new languages, she says it doesn’t feel overwhelming. “I’m a survivor. Hostel life taught me how to adapt. Whether it’s school, life or work, I’ve always found a way. Throw me into any situation and I’ll do just fine,” she says.

Rashmika says, “You may see me at national and global events, but I’m actually an introvert. The outside world assumes I’m an extrovert, and yes, at public events I manage – I do okay. But once work is done, I rarely step out. I prefer being at home, with my core group, people who truly know me. I strongly believe energy matters. You naturally gravitate towards those who may have dealt with similar psychological wounds and are healing, just like you are. In that shared space, we grow and become whole. My upbringing, followed by hostel life, has made me extremely resilient.”