Rashmika Mandanna is an acclaimed Indian actress and model who has made a significant mark in the South Indian film industry and is now gaining traction in Bollywood. Born on April 5, 1996, in Virajpet, a small town in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, Rashmika hails from a Kodava-speaking family. Her early education took place in Coorg Public School, and she later pursued a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Journalism, and English Literature at the M.S. Ramaiah College in Bangalore. It was during her college years that her career took a decisive turn, thanks to her interest in modeling and participation in beauty contests.
Rashmika’s foray into the entertainment industry began when she won the Clean & Clear Times Fresh Face of India in 2014. This win not only gave her national exposure but also paved the way for modeling opportunities. Her charming looks and photogenic presence quickly captured the attention of filmmakers, and she was soon offered her debut role in the 2016 Kannada film “Kirik Party”. The film was a massive success, and Rashmika’s performance earned her instant recognition and the affectionate title “Karnataka Crush.”
Following this, she became a sought-after actress in the Kannada and Telugu industries, delivering hits such as “Anjani Putra”, “Chamak”, “Geetha Govindam”, and “Dear Comrade”. Her role opposite Vijay Deverakonda in “Geetha Govindam” in particular catapulted her into stardom, showcasing her range as an actress with both charm and emotional depth. She also proved her versatility by playing a variety of characters—from girl-next-door roles to more intense and mature portrayals.
In 2020, she made her Tamil debut with “Sulthan” and eventually entered Hindi cinema. Her Bollywood debut came with “Mission Majnu” opposite Sidharth Malhotra in 2023, followed by projects like “Animal” with Ranbir Kapoor, which further solidified her position as a pan-India actress. Her ability to act fluently in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi makes her one of the few truly multilingual stars of the new generation.
Aside from her acting career, Rashmika is known for her philanthropy and active participation in social causes, including mental health awareness. She has a massive fan base, both online and offline, and has been featured in Forbes India’s “30 Under 30” list. Rashmika is also recognized as one of the most influential and bankable female stars in South India.
Despite her rapid rise to fame, Rashmika remains grounded and continues to work on diverse roles across industries, striving to balance commercial success with artistic growth. With her stunning screen presence, strong work ethic, and ever-growing filmography, Rashmika Mandanna is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in Indian cinema today.
Attribute | Details |
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Full Name | Rashmika Mandanna |
Date of Birth | April 5, 1996 |
Birthplace | Virajpet, Kodagu, Karnataka, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Education | B.A. in Psychology, Journalism, English |
Debut Film | Kirik Party (Kannada, 2016) |
Notable Films | Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, Pushpa: The Rise, Animal |
Industries Worked In | Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi |
Awards | SIIMA, Filmfare South, Clean & Clear Fresh Face |
Nickname | Karnataka Crush |
Languages Known | Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, English |
Years Active | 2016 – present |
Social Media | Highly active on Instagram, Twitter |