Rashmika Mandanna is a popular Indian actress known for her work in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi movies. She started her career in 2016 and quickly became famous for her charming roles and strong performances. People often call her the “National Crush of India” because of her sweet smile and relatable characters, especially after her hit film Geetha Govindam in 2018. As of 2025, she is one of the highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema and has made a big mark in Bollywood too.
Born on April 5, 1996, Rashmika is 29 years old in 2025. She stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall, which is about 168 centimeters, and weighs around 54 kilograms. Her journey shows how hard work can turn dreams into reality. From a small town in Karnataka, she faced money problems as a child but used her talent to build a successful career. Today, she stars in big films like Pushpa: The Rise and Animal, which have earned billions at the box office. She has won awards such as four SIIMA Awards and a Filmfare Award South, proving her skill as an actress.
Rashmika’s story is inspiring for many young people who want to enter the film world. She balances different languages and industries, showing versatility. In 2024, Forbes India listed her in their “30 Under 30,” recognizing her as a youth icon. Her fans love her for being down-to-earth and active on social media, where she shares fitness tips and life updates. This biography will cover her early days, education, career steps, personal side, and more, to help readers understand what makes her a star. By learning about her path, aspiring actors can see the importance of persistence and learning new skills.
Early Life
Rashmika Mandanna grew up in a simple family in Virajpet, a town in Kodagu district, Karnataka. This area is known for its green coffee plantations and hilly landscapes. She was born into a Kodava Hindu family on April 5, 1996. Her father, Madan Mandanna, runs a coffee estate and a function hall in their hometown. Her mother, Suman Mandanna, takes care of the home. Rashmika has a younger sister named Shiman Mandanna, who is much younger than her. Rashmika often says she helped raise her sister and felt like a second mother to her.
Life was not easy for the family when Rashmika was young. They had money troubles and moved around a lot because they could not always pay rent. Sometimes, they lived in rented homes without much comfort. Rashmika remembers that her parents could not buy toys for her, which made her value money more as she grew up. These experiences taught her to be careful with spending and to work hard. Despite the challenges, her family stayed close. Her mother was a big support, helping Rashmika feel strong during tough times.
The Kodava culture influenced Rashmika a lot. Kodavas are known for their traditions, love of nature, and strong community ties. Rashmika enjoyed festivals and time in the outdoors, which kept her grounded even after fame. She often talks about how her roots in Kodagu keep her humble. In interviews, she shares stories of playing in the coffee fields and learning family values. This background helped her connect with audiences who see her as relatable. As of 2025, she still visits her hometown to spend time with family, showing how important her early life remains to her.
Education
Rashmika went to Coorg Public School in Gonikoppal for her early education. It was a boarding school, which meant she lived there away from home. This helped her become independent but also made it hard to make friends at first. She struggled with talking to others and fitting in, but she did well in studies and activities outside class. Her time at school built her confidence and taught her to handle new situations.
After school, Rashmika studied for a bachelor’s degree in psychology, journalism, and English literature at M. S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Bangalore. She chose these subjects because she liked understanding people and telling stories. College life in Bangalore opened her eyes to city ways and new chances. She joined events and started thinking about a career in media or entertainment. During this time, she discovered her interest in modeling.
In 2014, at age 18, Rashmika won the Clean & Clear Fresh Face of India award from The Times of India. This win made her a brand ambassador for Clean & Clear and boosted her self-belief. She balanced college work with early modeling jobs, learning to manage time. Her professor encouraged her to try acting auditions, which changed her path. Rashmika did not finish her degree fully because her acting career took off, but her education gave her skills like good communication. Today, she advises young people to study hard, as it helps in any job.
Personal Life
Rashmika keeps her personal life private but shares some details with fans. She is an animal lover and often posts about her pets on social media. Fitness is important to her; she does yoga, swimming, and gym workouts to stay healthy. She also speaks about mental health, encouraging others to seek help when needed. In 2023, she faced a deepfake video issue, where someone used tech to make a fake video of her. This led to police action and raised awareness about online safety.
In relationships, Rashmika was engaged to actor Rakshit Shetty in 2017. They met on the set of her first film, Kirik Party, and announced their engagement on July 3, 2017, in Virajpet. However, they ended it in September 2018 because of differences. Rashmika said it was a mutual choice and they stayed friends.
Rumors about her dating actor Vijay Deverakonda started in 2020 after films like Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade. They often praised each other in public. In October 2025, they got engaged in a private ceremony at Vijay’s home in Hyderabad on October 3. Only close family and friends attended. Reports say they plan to marry in February 2026. At a success event for her film The Girlfriend in November 2025, Vijay kissed her hand on stage, showing their bond publicly. Rashmika called him a “blessing” and hoped every girl finds someone supportive like him.
She lives in Hyderabad and Bangalore, balancing work and family. Rashmika enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking simple meals. Her height of 5 feet 6 inches and fit body help in her roles, but she focuses on inner strength too.
Net Worth
Rashmika’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at around 66 crore rupees. She earns from movies, brand deals, and other work. For films, she charges 4 to 5 crore rupees per project, and for big ones like Pushpa 2: The Rule, it was up to 10 crore. Her income also comes from ads for brands like Lakme, Kalyan Jewellers, and Onitsuka Tiger, where she is India’s first ambassador since March 2023.
She invests in property and businesses. In 2022, she put money into the beauty brand Plum. Rashmika owns luxury cars and homes in Hyderabad and Bangalore. Her early money struggles made her smart with finances. As one of South India’s top earners, her net worth shows her hard work over nine years in films.
Entry into Modeling
Rashmika started modeling in 2014 while in college. She won the Clean & Clear Fresh Face of India award that year, becoming their brand ambassador. This gave her confidence despite family doubts about the industry. Modeling taught her to pose and face cameras, skills useful for acting.
In 2016, she joined Lamode Bangalore’s Top Model Hunt, which led to more work. She faced rejections and comments about her looks but kept going. These experiences prepared her for film auditions. Modeling was short but key, as it got her noticed by directors. By 2025, she endorses many brands, earning 10 crore or more yearly from them.
Film Debut and Kannada Cinema Domination
Rashmika debuted in acting with the Kannada film Kirik Party in 2016. She played Saanvi Joseph, a college student, opposite Rakshit Shetty. The romantic comedy became the highest-grossing Kannada film that year. It won her the SIIMA Award for Best Debut Actress in Kannada.
She followed with Anjani Putra in 2017 as Geetha, a hit action film. Then Chamak in 2017 as Kushi, earning nominations for Best Actress at Filmfare South and SIIMA. In 2019, Yajamana as Kaveri was a commercial success. Pogaru in 2021 as Geetha did moderately well.
These films made her a star in Kannada cinema, known as Sandalwood. Her bubbly style and nose ring became her signature. Combined, her Kannada movies grossed over 100 crore, showing her draw at the box office.
Telugu Breakthrough
Rashmika entered Telugu cinema with Chalo in 2018 as L. Karthika, a comedy that succeeded. Her big break was Geetha Govindam in 2018 opposite Vijay Deverakonda. As Geetha, she helped the film earn over 1 billion rupees worldwide. It won her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress in Telugu.
Devadas in 2018 as Pooja had mixed reviews. Dear Comrade in 2019 as Lilly, a cricketer, won her SIIMA Best Actress despite box office issues. Sarileru Neekevvaru and Bheeshma in 2020 were top earners. Sita Ramam in 2022 as Afreen earned a nomination.
Pushpa: The Rise in 2021 as Srivalli was a pan-India hit, grossing 350 crore. Pushpa 2: The Rule in 2024 grossed over 18 billion, winning her another SIIMA. The Girlfriend in 2025 as Bhoomika got praise for her role in a tough story. These films made her a Telugu star, known for versatile roles.
Expansion to Tamil and Hindi
In Tamil, Rashmika debuted with Sulthan in 2021 as Rukmani, a moderate success. Varisu in 2023 as Divya was another hit.
For Hindi, Goodbye in 2022 as Tara won her Zee Cine Best Female Debut. Mission Majnu in 2023 on Netflix had mixed reviews. Animal in 2023 as Geetanjali grossed 9 billion. In 2025, Chhaava as Yesubai grossed 8 billion but faced diction criticism. Sikandar as Saisri underperformed. Thamma as Tadaka got mixed feedback.
She learned new languages and dialects, like Marathi for Chhaava. This expansion shows her growth as a multilingual actress.
Awards and Accolades
Rashmika has won many awards. Here is a list of key ones:
- 6th SIIMA Awards 2017: Best Debut Actress Kannada for Kirik Party.
- 8th SIIMA Awards 2019: Critics Best Actress Telugu for Geetha Govindam.
- 9th SIIMA Awards 2020: Best Actress Telugu for Dear Comrade, Critics Award.
- Zee Cine Awards 2023: Best Female Debut for Goodbye.
- 13th SIIMA Awards 2025: Best Actress Telugu for Pushpa 2: The Rule.
She has over 10 Filmfare nominations. Beyond awards, she is on highest-paid lists and Forbes Most Influential in 2021. Her brand work includes Milan Fashion Week 2024.
Legacy
Rashmika’s legacy is as a role model for women in cinema. From small-town roots to pan-India fame, she empowers others. Her philanthropy includes education help in Kodagu. In 2024, she became ambassador for Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
Upcoming projects like Cocktail 2 in 2026, Mysaa in 2026, and Pushpa 3 in 2027 show her future is bright. She motivates dreamers by sharing her story of overcoming odds.
Conclusion
Rashmika Mandanna’s biography is a tale of talent and determination. From Kodagu to stardom, she has achieved much by 29. Her films, awards, and personal growth inspire many. As she continues, she remains a favorite for her authenticity.
FAQs
How old is Rashmika Mandanna?
She is 29 years old as of 2025, born on April 5, 1996.
What is Rashmika Mandanna’s height and weight?
She is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 54 kilograms.
Is Rashmika Mandanna married?
No, but she is engaged to Vijay Deverakonda since October 2025, with a wedding planned for February 2026.
What is Rashmika Mandanna’s family background?
Her father Madan owns a coffee estate, mother Suman is a homemaker, and she has a sister Shiman.
What was Rashmika Mandanna’s debut movie?
Kirik Party in 2016.
What is Rashmika Mandanna’s net worth in 2025?
Around 66 crore rupees.
