Rashmika Mandanna: “I Already Feel Like a Mother”

Actor Rashmika Mandanna, who is currently promoting her upcoming film The Girlfriend, opened up about her thoughts on motherhood, work-life balance, and personal well-being during an exclusive interview with Gulte Pro alongside director Rahul Ravindran.

Known for her busy schedule and multiple film commitments, Rashmika admitted that overworking has often affected her health. “I overwork, and I’m telling you, don’t do that. It’s not sustainable,” she said. “Do what’s right for you, whether it’s 8 hours, 9, or 10, but know your limits. If I could choose, I’d say don’t make us work beyond that. Not just actors, but technicians and the entire crew deserve that balance.”

The actress explained that focusing on family, rest, and fitness has become more of a priority. “I need to focus on family time, get enough sleep, and make time to work out so that later I won’t regret not staying healthy,” she said.

Director Rahul Ravindran joined in on the discussion, reflecting on his motivation to stay healthy. “I’m generally a secure person, but I have this one insecurity. When I see my kids, I want to be alive till they’re grown enough to see the world on their own. I’m now re-evaluating my choices with that in mind,” he said.

Responding to him, Rashmika shared a heartfelt thought about her future children. “I’m not even a mother yet, but I already feel I’m going to have kids. I love that it’s going to happen,” she said. “I feel something deeply for these little humans who aren’t even born yet. I want to protect them. If I have to go to war for them, I should be fit enough to do it. That’s how strongly I feel about it.”

Her comments come amid an ongoing conversation in Indian cinema about working hours, following reports that Deepika Padukone stepped away from Spirit to prioritize an 8-hour workday after becoming a mother. The debate has since widened, with several actors sharing their views on maintaining a balance between professional and personal life.

On the work front, The Girlfriend marks Rashmika’s first female-led film and is scheduled for release on November 7. She also has Mysaa and the upcoming sequels of Pushpa and Animal in the pipeline. In her personal life, Rashmika is reportedly engaged and set to marry actor Vijay Deverakonda in February.