It's RASH' hour for the Kodava lass

In a little more than two years, she has had six movies to her credit — three in Kannada and Telugu (each). All have been declared box office hits. She also has four more projects in her kitty among them is Yajamana, starring with Challenging Star Darshan which releases this Friday. There are also reports about her Tamil debut opposite Karthi in a yet-untitled project to be directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan.

A rare feat for an actress, she is ‘reely’ living a wonderful dream, which she says has been a “roller coaster” ride. Now, she is set on a fast forward MO to fame. True to a tattoo on one of her arms that reads “irreplaceable,” Rashmika Mandanna has achieved what many would need atleast a decade to achieve. What makes it more special, is that this pretty Coorg lass has done it in not one but two big South Indian film industries. That too simultaneously!

The beautiful actress who hails from Coorg, Rashmika speaks exclusively to Bengaluru Chronicle about her impressive two year career, her star-studded filmi journey, her most expected movie Yajamana, her die-hard fans, social causes and her little sister Shiman Mandanna and more.

“I have been living my dream for the past two years. All I ever wanted was to keep busy and do work which made me proud. And meet new people, and travel. I am glad I am doing what I wanted to. Kirik Party will always remain my most special moment,” is what Rashmika had penned when she completed her two year journey in films, ending it with a special note, thanking her huge fan following who made it even more special.

“Yes, it has been a roller coaster life on fast forward mode. I had the greatest opportunity to learn and work with some of the best and most humble personalities. About my latest Kannada film Yajamana, it is certainly not my return to Kannada after some time, because I have been busy with the film for more than a year, and due to some delays in the post production stage, the film is releasing now,” says Rashmika Mandanna.

While she has been successful in both Kannada and Telugu films, there are reports about her Kollywood (Tamil) debut which she cannot reveal more about. According to reports, it was announced on Sunday that Rashmika has been signed on for a role opposite Karthi in a yet to be titled project directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan of the Remo fame.

The film by Dream Warrior Pictures is set to go on the floors in a month or two. Currently dubbed as K19, the film will mark the first time collaboration between Karthi and Bakkiyaraj Kannan, and it’s tipped to be a film high on action and comedy.

After Kirik Party in Kannada, she was paired opposite both the Golden Star and the Power Star, and now she takes another challenging role in her stride, alongside Challenging Star Darshan in Yajamana, which is directed by composer-turned-director V Harikrishna, and is produced by the popular Shylaja Nag.

“The character of Kaveri, I portray in Yajamana is loud with a lot of energy. During the shooting of the film, I would feel so exhausted at the end of the day, but all that hard work reflects onscreen as well. Moreover, with such a chilled co-star like Darshan Sir, who cares for others along with a dedicated team, it was all worth it. Yajamana is one movie which I am pinning great hopes on. I essay a completely different character from my previous roles,” she adds. Juggling between Kannada and Telugu, the actress feels that travelling is the only downside in her dual industry stint though, she adds, “For an artist who is doing three movies a year in one language, it cannot be hard to do it in two different languages. Though I had some grasp of Malayalam growing up with friends who spoke the language, I had no clue about Telugu,” she reveals. She adds, “I could not even say how are you in Telugu. Now, I can converse in Telugu very easily.”

Rashmika is very active on social media and has been very vocal in support of her huge fan following. “If I could meet every fan, and invite them my home for dinner, I would do so. It is their love and support which makes my journey so special and if anybody talks bad about them, I get annoyed, hence my straight replies to those who speak negatively about my fans,” she explains.

The actress has also been standing up for social causes. “Now that I have the access to do my bit, I am more than happy to extend support. So much of negativity has been around lately. We all can understand if it is a natural calamity but when innocent lives are lost, what is the purpose of all this when we cannot stand in solidarity for such brave hearts who make supreme sacrifices,” Rashmika says of the tragic Pulwama attack.

An important critic in her life is her little sister Shiman Mandanna. “Yes, she gauges all my work. I can easily guess when she doesn't like it. She has been my biggest critic, which I miss a lot at times. She takes my case and keeps a close watch on what I am up to. She is more like my ‘elder sister.’ A don and a cute rowdy,” she wraps up.