None Of Us Has It All

Bengaluru girl Rashmika Mandanna opens up about her perfume line 'Dear Diary', fashion mantra, and the lessons she has learned from her journey in cinema

- VENNAPUSALA RAMYA

NATIONAL crush — that's what her fans lovingly call her. Rashmika Mandanna has become one of the most adored and bankable actresses in the country. With her infectious smile, effortless charm, and grounded personality, she has won hearts across languages and regions. Whether lighting up the screen in a blockbuster or sharing candid moments online, she radiates warmth and relatability. Recently, as she launched her perfume brand Dear Diary, CE caught up with her for a candid chat.

Excerpts

Tell us about Dear Diary.
Dear Diary has been more than just a brand. It has been a part of my life. For a long time, it was the only part of my life I felt comfortable sharing with the world. But now, with Dear Diary, I feel like I'm becoming a little more intimate with my audience, my people. I named it so because it felt like the story of my life. I wanted Dear Diary, the perfume, to become a part of other people's lives too; to be a part of their story.

How do you unwind from work?
When I'm working, there's not much unwinding because it becomes a routine. I wake up, do the first workout session, go to shoot, come back, do a second workout, have dinner, sleep, and repeat. So, it doesn't feel like I'm unwinding, it's just a routine. But when I get a two-three-day break from shooting is when I actually unwind. I stay home and do absolutely nothing. I'm a total home bunny.

If not an actor, what career would you choose?