Rashmika Mandanna Biography, career, Age 2025, Early Life, Net worth

Rashmika Mandanna stands as one of India’s most loved actresses today. Born on April 5, 1996, she has grown from a small-town girl in Karnataka to a star in films across languages like Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. At 29 years old in 2025, she earns praise for her fresh smile, strong screen presence, and ability to play roles from sweet college students to bold warriors. Fans call her the “National Crush” for her relatable charm and hard work. Her journey shows how talent and grit can break barriers in the film world. She has starred in big hits like Pushpa: The Rise in 2021 and its sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule in 2024, which earned over 1,800 crore rupees worldwide. These films made her a pan-India name. Beyond acting, she speaks up on issues like cyber safety after facing a deepfake video in 2023. This section looks at her life step by step, from childhood to future plans, to help readers see the real person behind the star. We will keep things simple, with short sentences and clear facts, so everyone can follow along easily.

Rashmika’s story inspires many young people. She comes from a middle-class family and faced money troubles early on, yet she chased her dreams. Her rise proves that starting small does not stop big success. In 2024, Forbes India named her in the “30 Under 30” list for her work in cinema and social media influence. She has over 40 million followers on Instagram, where she shares daily life moments. Her films often mix action, romance, and family themes, drawing crowds of all ages. As we explore her path, remember her words from a 2023 interview: “I just want to tell stories that touch hearts.” This guide aims to educate on her real achievements, using facts from trusted sources up to November 2025.

Early Life

Rashmika Mandanna grew up in Virajpet, a quiet town in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. This area is known for its green hills, coffee plantations, and Kodava culture. She was born into a Kodava Hindu family on April 5, 1996. Her father, Madan Mandanna, ran a small coffee estate and a function hall to support the family. Her mother, Suman Mandanna, stayed home and cared for the children. Rashmika has a younger sister named Shiman, who is about five years younger. From a young age, Rashmika helped her mom with baby Shiman, learning responsibility early.

Life was not always easy for the Mandannas. They faced money shortages. Rashmika once shared in a 2022 chat how they struggled to rent a house or buy toys. These hard times taught her the value of money. She says they shaped her to work hard and stay humble. Despite this, her parents encouraged her dreams. They wanted her to study well and chase what she loved.

For school, Rashmika joined Coorg Public School in Gonikoppal, a boarding school near her home. It was tough at first. She felt shy and had trouble making friends. The big campus and new faces made her quiet. She struggled with speaking up in class. But over time, she found her voice through school plays and debates. Teachers noticed her bright mind and kind heart. By high school, she did better in studies and joined cultural events.

After school, Rashmika moved to Mysore for pre-university classes at the Mysore Institute of Commerce and Arts. She focused on commerce subjects, dreaming of a stable job. But her real passion was the arts. In 2014, at age 18, she entered a beauty contest. She won the Clean & Clear Fresh Face of India title from The Times of India. This small win changed everything. It opened doors to modeling and boosted her confidence.

To build her future, Rashmika went to Bangalore for college. She studied at M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science, and Commerce. Her degree covered psychology, journalism, and English literature. She chose these to understand people better and improve her communication skills. College life was busy. She balanced classes with modeling gigs and ads. A professor saw her talent and pushed her to try acting. At first, she said no, scared of the spotlight. But the win in 2014 made her rethink. She started small photo shoots and TV spots while finishing her degree in 2016.

These years built Rashmika’s strong base. The green Kodagu fields gave her a love for nature. Family support kept her grounded. School challenges taught her to face fears. College mixed books with creativity. By 20, she was ready to step into films. Her early life shows how simple roots can lead to big stages. Today, she visits Kodagu often, crediting it for her calm nature.

Personal Life

Rashmika Mandanna keeps her private world close to her heart. She shares glimpses on social media but guards deeper details. Family remains her anchor. Her parents, Madan and Suman, live in Bangalore now. They attend her film events and give quiet advice. Sister Shiman is her best friend. The two bond over food trips and late-night talks. Rashmika calls Shiman her “mini-me” in a 2024 post. They grew up sharing clothes and secrets, and that closeness lasts.

Rashmika follows Kodava traditions. She celebrates festivals like Kail Poldu with simple joy. Her Hindu faith guides her values. She starts days with yoga and meditation for peace. In interviews, she talks about staying fit through walks in nature. She avoids late nights and junk food, saying health is key to her busy life.

On love, Rashmika has been open yet careful. Her first big romance was with actor Rakshit Shetty. They met on the set of Kirik Party in 2016. Sparks flew during shoots in Mangalore. By July 3, 2017, they got engaged in a small Virajpet ceremony. Family and friends joined for the happy day. But in September 2018, they parted ways. Rashmika said in a 2019 note it was due to busy schedules and growing apart. No hard feelings; they wished each other well.

Rumors linked her to Vijay Deverakonda from 2020. They co-starred in Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade. Fans loved their on-screen chemistry. Off-screen, shared posts fueled talks. Rashmika smiled but never confirmed. In October 2025, they announced their engagement. It was a private event with close ones. She shared a sweet photo, saying, “Found my partner in crime.” This step marks a new chapter for her at 29.

Rashmika faced tough spots too. In November 2023, a deepfake video of her went viral on social media. It used AI to swap her face on another person’s body. She felt hurt but spoke out. “This is scary for women everywhere,” she posted. Police arrested the maker in January 2024. This led to her role as National Ambassador for Cyber Safety under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre in October 2024. She now pushes for online rules to protect people.

She values friends from college and films. Weekends mean coffee with pals or family drives. Rashmika dreams of a home with a garden someday. Her personal life blends old roots with new joys, showing balance amid fame.

Entry into Modeling

Rashmika’s first steps in the spotlight came through modeling. It started as a fun side gig during college. In 2014, she joined a local contest in Bangalore. At 18, she won the Clean & Clear Fresh Face of India award. This title from The Times of India made her the brand’s face. She did ads showing her fresh smile and easy style. These spots aired on TV and billboards, reaching young girls across India.

Winning boosted her. Brands like Lakme and many clothes lines called. She shot for magazines and walked in small fashion shows. Modeling taught her to pose, walk, and face cameras. It was not just pretty pictures; she learned time management and confidence. In one 2015 shoot, she traveled to Mumbai for a day. The busy sets showed her the industry’s pace.

But Rashmika stayed focused on studies. She did gigs on weekends, earning pocket money. Her fees started small, around 50,000 rupees per ad. By 2016, she had a portfolio of 20 shoots. A key moment came at La Mode Bangalore’s top model hunt. She placed high, catching eyes. Director Rishab Shetty saw her photos and offered a film role. At first, she said no, happy with modeling’s safety.

What drew her in? The chance to act felt like storytelling, not just looks. She signed for Kirik Party in 2015, ending her full modeling days. But those years built her base. They gave her the poise for big screens. Today, she looks back with thanks, saying modeling was her gentle start to fame.

Transition to Acting

From model to actress, Rashmika’s shift was quick and bold. In 2015, after her modeling wins, Rishab Shetty spotted her. He cast her as Saanvi in Kirik Party, a Kannada romantic comedy. Shooting began that year in Mangalore. At 19, she left college breaks for sets. The role of a smart engineering student fit her real life. She learned dialogues fast and added her own laughs.

Kirik Party released on December 30, 2016. It became a hit, running 250 days in theaters. Critics liked her natural act. She won SIIMA Best Debut Actress in 2017. This success opened doors. Offers came from Telugu and Tamil teams. She wrapped college in 2016, ready for full-time films.

Her Telugu entry was Chalo in 2018, a comedy drama. Playing Karthika, she showed comic timing. It did well, leading to Geetha Govindam same year. As Geetha, opposite Vijay Deverakonda, she shone in romance. The film earned 150 crore rupees. She got Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress Telugu.

Transition meant learning new languages. She practiced Telugu scripts daily. For Tamil’s Sulthan in 2021, she worked on accents. Hindi came with Goodbye in 2022. Each step grew her skills. By 2020, she balanced three industries. Challenges like long shoots tested her, but wins kept her going. This phase turned a model into a versatile star.

Notable Roles and Web Series

Rashmika’s roles span fun romances to tough dramas. She picks parts that challenge her. In Kannada, after Kirik Party, came Anjani Putra in 2017. As Geetha, she played a brave woman in action scenes. Next, Chamak same year, as Kushi in a light comedy. Both films succeeded, showing her range early.

Telugu gave her breakthroughs. Geetha Govindam (2018) made her a household name. Her Geetha was sweet yet strong, earning love. Dear Comrade (2019) as Lilly showed depth in sports drama. She trained for cricket scenes. Pushpa: The Rise (2021) as Srivalli was huge. She learned Chittoor dialect and danced folk steps. The film crossed 350 crore rupees. Its sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), repeated success with over 1,800 crore worldwide. Srivalli’s return won her SIIMA Best Actress Telugu in 2025.

In Tamil, Sulthan (2021) as Rukmani in action. Varisu (2023) as Divya in family tale. For Hindi, Goodbye (2022) debut as Tara, a caring daughter. Mission Majnu (2023) as spy Nasreen. Animal (2023) as Geetanjali, in intense action. Chhaava (2025) as Maharani Yesubai needed Marathi lines.

On web series, Rashmika has not starred in major ones yet. She focuses on films but eyes OTT for future stories.

Her list of notable roles includes:

• Kirik Party (2016, Kannada) as Saanvi
• Anjani Putra (2017, Kannada) as Geetha
• Chamak (2017, Kannada) as Kushi
• Chalo (2018, Telugu) as L. Karthika
• Geetha Govindam (2018, Telugu) as Geetha
• Devadas (2018, Telugu) as Pooja
• Dear Comrade (2019, Telugu) as Lilly
• Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020, Telugu) as Samskruthi
• Bheeshma (2020, Telugu) as Chaithra
• Pogaru (2021, Kannada) as Geetha
• Sulthan (2021, Tamil) as Rukmani
• Pushpa: The Rise (2021, Telugu) as Srivalli
• Sita Ramam (2022, Telugu/Tamil) as Afreen
• Goodbye (2022, Hindi) as Tara Bhalla
• Varisu (2023, Tamil) as Divya
• Mission Majnu (2023, Hindi) as Nasreen
• Animal (2023, Hindi) as Geetanjali
• Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024, Telugu) as Srivalli
• Chhaava (2025, Hindi) as Maharani Yesubai

These picks highlight her growth. Some say her roles lean on male leads, but she seeks more lead parts ahead.

Awards and Achievements

Rashmika’s talent has earned her respect through awards. She has four SIIMA Awards, a Filmfare South, and more. Her first win was SIIMA Best Debut Actress for Kirik Party in 2017. It marked her strong start.

For Geetha Govindam (2018), she got Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress Telugu. Critics praised her emotional depth. Dear Comrade (2019) brought SIIMA Best Actress Telugu (Critics). Her sports role showed grit.

Pushpa: The Rise (2021) led to SIIMA nominations. In 2022, Sita Ramam earned Filmfare South nods. Goodbye (2022) won Zee Cine Best Female Debut. Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) gave SIIMA Best Actress Telugu in September 2025 at the 13th awards.

Other honors include:

• Filmfare Award South for Best Actress Kannada for Anjani Putra (2017)
• SIIMA Best Actress Telugu for Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024)
• Forbes India 30 Under 30 (2024) for cinema impact
• Bollywood Hungama Style Icon (2023)

These show her skill across industries. She thanks fans in speeches, saying awards motivate her. At 29, her shelf grows, proving steady rise.

Beyond the Screen

Rashmika’s world goes past films. She endorses brands with her honest vibe. Deals include McDonald’s for fun ads, Dabur Honey for health tips, and Kalyan Jewellers for elegant shoots. In 2023, she became Onitsuka Tiger’s first Indian ambassador, walking Milan Fashion Week. She invests in Plum, a vegan beauty brand, as partner since 2024. This shows her eye for ethical business.

She loves anime too. With Tiger Shroff, she promotes Crunchyroll in India. They presented at the 8th Anime Awards in Japan in 2024. Social media is her voice. With 40 million Instagram followers, she shares fitness routines and travel snaps. In 2024, she joined cyber safety efforts after her deepfake case. As ambassador for I4C, she teaches online safety in schools.

Charity matters to her. She supports girl education in Kodagu and animal shelters. Quiet donations mark her birthdays. Beyond screen, Rashmika builds a brand of kindness and smarts.

Net Worth

By November 2025, Rashmika’s net worth sits around 66 crore rupees, or about 8 million USD. This comes from smart choices. Film fees form the base. She charges 4 to 8 crore per South movie, up to 10 crore for Hindi like Pushpa 2. Endorsements add 20 crore yearly from 15 brands.

Investments help too. Her stake in Plum grows with sales. Real estate includes a Bangalore home worth 10 crore. No big debts; she saves wisely from early lessons. At 29, this wealth reflects nine years of steady work. Experts say it may hit 100 crore by 2027 with new films. Her path from 50,000 rupee ads to crores inspires.

Future Prospects

Rashmika’s 2025 slate buzzes with promise. Chhaava released February 14, 2025, as Maharani Yesubai opposite Vicky Kaushal. It earned 800 crore, blending history and action. Sikandar, with Salman Khan, hit March 28, 2025, for Eid. Her role as Saisri Rajkot mixes thrill and emotion.

Kuberaa, a Telugu-Tamil bilingual with Dhanush, came December 15, 2025. She plays Sameera in this drama. Thamma, horror-comedy with Ayushmann Khurrana, dropped Diwali 2025, crossing 100 crore fast. The Girlfriend, female-led romance, released November 7, 2025, in five languages.

Ahead, Mysaa is her solo action film in 2026. Pushpa 3: The Rampage reunites her with Allu Arjun in 2026. Animal Park sequel follows in 2026 with Ranbir Kapoor. Cocktail 2, romantic drama with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, shoots in late 2025 for 2026 release. Rainbow, a feel-good romance with Dev Mohan, eyes 2026.

She plans more lead roles and maybe OTT series. A leg injury in January 2025 delayed some shoots, but she bounced back. Prospects look bright, with pan-India appeal growing.

Legacy

Rashmika leaves a mark on Indian cinema at just 29. She bridges South and North films, making stories reach wider crowds. Hits like Pushpa series show her pull in action genres. Her debut in 2016 to 2025 blockbusters trace a decade of growth.

She fights for women in films, picking roles with meat. The deepfake stand in 2023 sparked cyber laws talks. As ambassador, she educates millions. Forbes nod in 2024 cements her as young influencer.

Her legacy is relatable stardom. From Kodagu roots, she shows middle-class kids can shine. Awards and fans honor her charm and skill. Future films will add chapters, but her impact on unity and safety lasts.

Final Reflections

Looking back, Rashmika’s path blends hard work and heart. Early struggles built her strength. Modeling opened doors; acting let her soar. Personal ups and downs show her real side. Awards prove talent; off-screen work adds depth.

We reflect on her as more than a star, a voice for change. Her story teaches chasing dreams with kindness. As 2025 ends, she inspires us to face fears and lift others. Thank you, Rashmika, for the joy.

Conclusion

Rashmika Mandanna’s journey from Virajpet to global screens wraps a tale of talent and tenacity. At 29, she has won hearts, awards, and box-office gold. Her films entertain; her actions empower. As she steps into more roles, we cheer her forward. This bio celebrates a woman who turns simple starts into shining legacies. Keep inspiring, Rashmika.

FAQs

When was Rashmika Mandanna born?

She was born on April 5, 1996, in Virajpet, Karnataka.

What is Rashmika’s first film?

Her debut is Kirik Party, a Kannada movie from 2016.

Who is Rashmika engaged to?

She got engaged to Vijay Deverakonda in October 2025.

What is her net worth in 2025?

It is about 66 crore rupees.

What are her big awards?

She has four SIIMA Awards and one Filmfare South.

Does she do web series?

Not yet, but she eyes OTT projects.

What is her next movie after 2025?

Pushpa 3: The Rampage in 2026.

What brands does she endorse?

McDonald’s, Kalyan Jewellers, and Plum.

Where did she study?

M.S. Ramaiah College in Bangalore for psychology, journalism, and English.

Why is she called National Crush?

For her sweet charm and fan love across India.