Rashmika Mandanna, often hailed as the ‘National Crush,’ has opened up about how two of her most notable roles transformed her as an actor. Playing Srivalli in the Pushpa franchise and Maharani Yesubai in Chhaava pushed her to new heights, making her braver and more confident in her craft.
In a candid chat with IANS, Rashmika shared how these characters left a lasting impact on her. ‘Yes! Pushpa and Chhaava have really inspired me,’ she said. But it wasn’t just about inspiration. These roles demanded something deeper from her—fearlessness, authenticity, and an unshakable sense of self.
‘Srivalli and Maharani Yesubai truly made me braver as an actor,’ Rashmika revealed. ‘They both are strong, fearless, and unapologetically themselves.’ Portraying such powerful characters wasn’t just about memorizing lines or hitting marks. It was about embodying their essence, their struggles, and their triumphs.
She added, ‘Playing them taught me to lead with honesty, to trust my instincts, and to bring raw emotion to every scene.’ It’s no surprise that these roles resonated so deeply with audiences. They were more than characters; they were forces of nature.
Let’s talk about Pushpa first. The Telugu film series, created by Sukumar, stars Allu Arjun and Rashmika in lead roles. The first installment, Pushpa: The Rise (2021), became a cultural phenomenon. Allu Arjun played Pushpa Raj, a laborer who climbs the ranks of a red sandalwood smuggling syndicate. Rashmika’s Srivalli was not just a love interest but a character with grit and heart.
The sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), shattered box office records. It became the highest day-one grossing film in India and went on to claim the title of the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024. Rashmika reprised her role as Srivalli, adding layers to a character audiences had already fallen in love with.
Then there’s Chhaava, a starkly different but equally demanding role. The epic historical drama revolves around Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, played by Vicky Kaushal. Rashmika stepped into the shoes of Maharani Yesubai, a character that required regality, strength, and emotional depth. The film, adapted from Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel Chhava, was directed by Laxman Utekar.
Rashmika’s journey with these roles wasn’t just about acting. It was about growth. She embraced challenges, learned to trust her craft, and emerged as a more confident performer. Whether it’s the raw energy of Srivalli or the dignified poise of Maharani Yesubai, Rashmika proved she could do it all.
The Pushpa franchise and Chhaava weren’t just career milestones. They were personal victories. They pushed her out of her comfort zone and into a space where she could explore new dimensions of her talent. And that’s what makes her one of the most exciting actors in Indian cinema today.