Vijay Deverakonda Has Been My Biggest Support, Says Rashmika Mandanna

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s link-up rumours often make headlines. The duo’s on-screen chemistry in the films Geetha Govindam (2018) and Dear Comrade (2019) has piqued viewers’ interest, leading to speculations about their connection off-screen. They have been rumoured to have been dating and even getting engaged. Both Rashmika and Vijay Deverakonda have always maintained that they are just ‘close friends’. In a recent interview with We Are Yuvaa, Rashmika Mandanna spoke about Vijay. “I feel like Viju and I grew up together,” Rashmika said. “He therefore has a part in all I do in my life at this time.” She also mentioned how much she values Vijay’s counsel. “He gives me advice on everything, and I value his viewpoint. If he thinks something is good, he says it. If he feels something is not good, he says it as well,” she added.

“Of all the people in my life, he has given me the most personal support. So, I have a great deal of respect for him,” said Rashmika Mandanna.

In an earlier interview with Lifestyle Asia, Vijay Deverakonda addressed the reports about his engagement to Rashmika. “In February, I will not be getting married or engaged. Every two years, it seems like the media is only interested in getting me married. This is a rumour I hear every year. They’re just loitering around, hoping to find me and arrange a marriage,” said Vijay Deverakonda.

Rashmika was on the sets of Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna’s chat show, Unstoppable with NBK 2, last year to promote Animal. Rashmika was given the option to select between two posters on the show: Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, and Arjun Reddy, portrayed by Vijay Deverakonda. Ranbir interrupted Rashmika as she was about to answer, saying to Balakrishna, “Ask Rashmika, who is the better hero.” Rashmika was then asked to call Vijay and put him on speaker. The way Rashmika Mandanna reacted and blushed, along with Ranbir Kapoor’s constant teasing, made news. This further fuelled Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s relationship rumours.