Throwback: When Rashmika Mandanna confessed she was SCARED of Vijay Deverakonda

Amid growing wedding buzz triggered by a viral invitation card, fans are revisiting old interviews of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda. While speculation about their relationship continues, neither star has confirmed any marriage plans. This renewed attention has brought back a candid moment when Rashmika admitted she was initially intimidated by Vijay.

First meeting jitters on the sets of ‘Geetha Govindam’

During an earlier conversation with The News Minute, Rashmika recalled feeling uneasy when she first met Vijay while filming ‘Geetha Govindam’. Since they were strangers at the time, she said she was unsure how to approach him. “I was scared of Vijay,” she admitted, explaining that she usually feels nervous around new people.




However, she soon discovered that Vijay was extremely relaxed and easygoing, which helped dissolve the tension. As shooting progressed, she began to understand his personality better, saying she quickly caught his “frequency and vibe.” That growing comfort translated into natural on-screen chemistry.

From hesitation to effortless friendship

Rashmika revealed that their bond developed organically during the film’s production. She noted that their characters influenced each other in subtle ways, strengthening both their performances and their off-screen camaraderie. According to her, the best part of their friendship was that she never had to make an effort to understand him.

Their pairing became hugely popular after the film’s success, later continuing with another collaboration in ‘Dear Comrade’, which further fueled fan enthusiasm for the duo.

Support during a difficult personal phase

Around the same period, Rashmika was coping with her breakup from Kannada actor Rakshit Shetty. She had previously shared that Vijay stood by her as a friend during that challenging time, helping her stay positive and focused on work. During promotional tours and interviews, Vijay was also protective of her privacy. He often requested interviewers not to bring up her personal life or past relationship, allowing her space to heal away from public scrutiny.

Rashmika Mandanna's work front

Rashmika Mandanna has a packed work schedule following successes like 'Animal', 'Chhaava' and 'Pushpa 2', with upcoming roles in Telugu and Hindi cinema, including 'Mysaa', 'The Girlfriend', and 'Cocktail 2'.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”