As the year 2025 draws to a close, the Indian film industry looks back on a period rich with memorable performances and impactful storytelling. Among the artists who left a significant mark on the silver screen is actress Rashmika Mandanna, who bookended the year with two starkly different and successful projects.
A Year of Versatility and Pride
Rashmika Mandanna began 2025 with the period drama 'Chaava' and concluded it with the nuanced performance in 'The Girlfriend'. This dual showcase highlighted her impressive range as a performer. In a recent conversation, the actress expressed deep satisfaction with her journey over the past twelve months.
"I'm very proud of the year I have had," Rashmika stated. She acknowledged the unpredictable nature of an actor's career, noting that while not every year might mirror 2025's success, the recognition for her hard work holds immense value. "For all the work I put in, it means a lot to see my friends, family, and extended family happy for me. That happiness reflects on me. I feel extremely proud, deeply content, joyful, and loved for everything I received in 2025. I'm truly happy," she added emotionally.
Staying True: On-Screen Roles and Off-Screen Self
With her diverse roles, Rashmika Mandanna proved her mettle across genres. Her role in 'The Girlfriend', in particular, resonated deeply, especially with women across society. The actress revealed that portraying such a character did not feel like a burden because her approach was rooted in authenticity.
"I'm a woman, and I've always been a girls' girl. I've always shown up for the women in my life, and today I'm simply showing up for the women in my extended family," she explained. For her, there was no drastic shift required. "There's no real difference for me: I'm just being myself and staying true."
Gratitude for Collaborative Storytelling
Rashmika Mandanna extended heartfelt thanks to the creative team behind 'The Girlfriend', especially director Rahul Ravindran. She expressed admiration for his sensitive understanding of a female perspective.
"I'm deeply grateful that people felt comfortable creating this. I kept telling my director, Rahul Ravindran, how thankful I am that a man could understand a woman so intimately and sensitively, and feel confident enough to write a character like this," the actress shared. She also credited the producers for their faith in a woman-centric narrative, saying, "I'm also grateful to the producers who were willing to invest in telling a story from a woman's perspective."
Looking forward, Rashmika sees 2025 as a positive sign for the industry's evolution. She concluded on a hopeful note: "I'm happy to see more stories like 'The Girlfriend' being written, and more directors and producers coming together to make them happen. It truly makes me happy, because there should be many more films told through a female lens—and that's finally happening."
She emphasized that this movement extends beyond her own career. "It's not just about me. There will be many more artists who come forward with incredibly special stories and performances. In that sense, if there is a responsibility, it's to continue telling honest stories from a woman's perspective—and I promise I'll keep working hard to do justice to that." The actress's reflections underscore a year of personal achievement and a collective shift towards more inclusive storytelling in Indian cinema.
