Rashmika Mandanna recalls being in a relationship with ‘no choice’; reveals how her partner helps her deal with trolling, ‘Choose who you want to be with’ |
Rashmika Mandanna is currently enjoying the attention around her latest release, The Girlfriend, which hit theatres on November 7. Even as the film trends, the actress has sparked fresh discussion about her personal life following reports of her secret engagement with Vijay Deverakonda.
Rashmika Mandanna reflects on past love
During the film’s promotions, Rashmika opened up about her emotional journey and hinted at experiences that shaped her. Speaking to Suma, she revealed that characters like Vikram, Durga and Bhooma from the film exist in real life too. Drawing parallels with her own past, she admitted she once stayed in a relationship where she felt she had no choice.She said, “Choose who you want to be with. You shouldn’t be in a position where you have no choice but you’re with a partner. I have done that. Today, when I choose to be with a person, I am happy, that person is happy, everyone around is happy.”Rashmika also discussed dealing with online trolling and credited her partner for helping her stay grounded. Without naming anyone, she shared, “When you are being trolled, you are aware of it. In my house, my own partner, I’ll be like, I’m getting trolled so much. He says, ‘there’s nothing like that. Why are you overthinking?’ He says he doesn’t notice it at all. You’re not seeing it, but I am. They even tag and make sure I see it.“
‘He has healed me from a pain he didn’t cause’
In another promotional interaction, the actress revealed how her partner supported her through the emotional preparation for her role in The Girlfriend. Fans immediately linked her comments to Vijay Deverakonda.She said, “Luckily, I have a partner who has healed me from a pain he didn’t cause. So, for me, as Bhooma, he has helped me heal. Like how this film is for me, he has the same equal… I have to give him that applause and thank him for it.”Rashmika and Vijay, who have long been one of Tollywood’s most speculated couples, reportedly got engaged in October 2025 in an intimate ceremony. Vijay’s team later confirmed to Hindustan Times that the two had exchanged rings. Their wedding is expected to take place in February 2026, though an official announcement is still awaited.
