Rashmika Mandanna has rapidly emerged as a significant presence in Bollywood, despite acting not being her initial career aspiration. Her journey in Hindi cinema includes the massive hit 'Animal' with Ranbir Kapoor and another success with 'Chhaava' starring Vicky Kaushal. However, her latest film, 'Sikandar' alongside Salman Khan, received a mixed response at the box office. In recent discussions, Rashmika shared her insights on managing the pressures of success and her philosophy of viewing challenges as valuable lessons rather than insurmountable problems.

Despite her current fame, the 'Geetha Govindam' actress confessed that a career in acting was never part of her early plans. It was a significant leap of faith that ultimately reshaped her life. In an interview with Hindustan Times, she stated, “To be completely honest, the younger version of me would have never imagined becoming an actress because it was never part of the plan. But looking back, I’m incredibly grateful I took that leap, because it truly changed my life in so many meaningful ways.”

When navigating her career choices, the 'Pushpa' star adheres to a straightforward rule: pursue what genuinely brings joy. This principle, she explains, has guided her decisions, including her unexpected foray into the film industry. Offering encouragement to others facing uncertainty, she added, “And an advice I would give not only my younger self, but everybody who is scared or shying away: go out there! Get it because it’s yours. If a girl (me) from a small town like Coorg can do it, you can too! Take that chance, you never know what you thank yourself for later.”

Rashmika acknowledges that the film industry isn't solely about glamour, having encountered both praise and criticism. She experienced a self-described "rollercoaster year," marked by the success of 'Chhaava' and the varied reception for 'Sikandar.' She handles the pressures of success and industry expectations with the understanding that “nothing in life is permanent.” She elaborated, “When it comes to handling the pressure of success and expectations, I remain fully aware that nothing in life is permanent. I’ve said this before, you can have it all one day, and it can change the very next.” This perspective helps her stay grounded. Instead of viewing criticism negatively, she embraces it as a learning opportunity. “There aren’t any hard lessons, but there have definitely been some valuable learnings along the way. One of the most important is to always give your best and put in 100%, but don’t burden yourself with the need to please everyone. Focus on your own happiness and well-being first,” she shared.

Furthermore, Rashmika emphasized that criticism should not diminish one's spirit or self-worth. “Of course, it’s important to stay open to constructive criticism, but never let it weigh you down or define your worth. And above all, go after what you truly want. Believe in yourself and claim what’s yours because if you’ve set your heart on it, it’s already halfway yours,” the 29-year-old star advised.

Her ability to remain balanced is also supported by a strong network. “I’m also fortunate to have a strong support system in my family, close friends and my team, who constantly help me stay connected to what truly matters, regardless of the highs or lows,” Rashmika mentioned. Beyond her film career, she has also become the global ambassador for Crocs, leading their #YourCrocsYourStoryYourWorld campaign.

Rashmika carved her niche in the industry with impactful performances in films such as 'Kirik Party,' the 'Pushpa' franchise, and 'Sita Ramam.' These successes paved her way into Bollywood, where she has featured in projects like 'Animal,' 'Mission Majnu,' and 'Goodbye,' in addition to 'Chhaava' and 'Sikandar'.

Looking ahead, Rashmika is enthusiastic about her upcoming work. “I’m currently working on multiple projects simultaneously, and I’m truly excited for everyone to see them. Each one holds a special place in my heart, and what makes them even more thrilling is how distinct and unique they are from one another. I can’t wait to share everything we’ve been creating I think there’s something really special in store for the audience,” she concluded, hinting at diverse roles and stories.