I feel I have moved on from the National Crush tag : Rashmika Mandanna -Exclusive – The Times of India

Rashmika Mandanna delivered one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema with Pushpa 2: The Rule in December 2024. The film went on to earn more than ₹1,200 crore in India. With its OTT release, it has once again become the talk of the town.

The year, however, began on a difficult note for the actress, as she injured her foot during a gym session and has been advised to rest by doctors.
Rashmika has an impressive lineup of films, including Chhava, led by Vicky Kaushal; Sikander, starring Salman Khan; and Thama, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana, which is part of Dinesh Vijan’s production. She also has Kubera alongside Dhanush and The Girlfriend, which rests entirely on her shoulders.The actress is gradually making her mark in Hindi cinema, especially after her role in Ranbir Kapoor and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. Though she is still widely considered India’s “National Crush,” Rashmika reveals that she has moved on from that tag.
In an exclusive interview with ETimes, she said, “The National Crush title actually began with my film Kirik Party (2016). Back then, I was the crush of the whole college, which later became the Karnataka crush, and eventually, the National Crush. Today, with all the love I am receiving, I feel I have moved on from that. Now, when people say, ‘You are the love of the nation’ or ‘You are in everyone’s hearts,’ it feels even more special. I feel like I am now rooted in their lives and hearts, and I’m just upping the game.”
Meanwhile, a recent video of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda went viral, sparking backlash from netizens. In the clip, while Vijay walked ahead and got into the car, Rashmika, who appeared to be limping, struggled to keep up. Many online users criticized Vijay for seemingly not acknowledging her discomfort or offering to help her.