Gratitude defines the New Year for me: Rashmika on her reset vibe for 2026

After a packed year that saw multiple releases across languages, including Chhaava, Sikandar, Kuberaa, Thamma and The Girlfriend, Rashmika Mandanna is ending 2025 on a reflective note. The year also marked a personal milestone as the actor completed nine years in the film industry and, in a quietly held ceremony, got engaged to fellow actor and longtime beau Vijay Deverakonda, putting months of speculation to rest. Currently unwinding in Rome with close friends, Rashmika looks back at a year of professional highs and personal shifts, while setting clear intentions for 2026, centred on balance, meaningful work and making space for life beyond the set. I don’t need a fictional character... I already have an amazing one: Rashmika on her dream plus-one this NYEWhen the topic of her October engagement to Vijay came up, Rashmika didn’t offer a direct confirmation. She did, however, drop a hint when asked to reflect on her 2025 highlights. “It was really special… but if I had to pick the top three moments, it would be difficult. The first one is too personal to talk about,” she said, leaving the pause open to interpretation. She quickly pivoted to professional highs. “The second would be the release of The Girlfriend,” she said. Her final word on her New Year’s plans, and on who she would bring as a fictional plus-one, however, was the most telling. “I don’t think I need a fictional character. I already have an amazing one as a plus-one.” ‘2025 changed me in ways I didn’t expect’2025 was truly very special for me. There were so many moments this year that felt like turning points, both personally and professionally. I shot seven films, five of which were released, and while the pace was hectic and I barely had time to breathe, each experience taught me something valuable. I end the year feeling content, grateful and changed in ways I can’t fully put into words. ‘Time off makes you slow down and truly live’Being able to take a break when everything finally falls into place feels very special to me. When you work almost every day — waking up early, sleeping late, constantly thinking about work — the moments you get time off feel precious. Right now, I’m in Rome with my friends, and there are nine of us travelling together. This holiday has reminded me how important it is to slow down, enjoy life and truly be present, and it easily ranks among my most memorable breaks. ‘The New Year makes you rethink the stories you want to tell’The New Year always makes me reflect on the kind of work I want to take forward. My approach to choosing films hasn’t changed. I still follow instinct and take up projects I genuinely believe in. What I do hope for, especially as a new year begins, is to see more strong, meaningful roles written for women. When characters are layered and honest, we’re able to bring depth and truth to the screen. As I step into another year, I feel excited about exploring different genres, particularly biopics and period films, without placing boundaries on myself. It feels like the right time to stay curious and open to new creative possibilities.‘2026 is about balance, intention and making space’As I step into 2026, my priorities are very clear. I want to find balance between my personal life and my work, and make time for the people and moments that truly matter — family functions, friendships, celebrations and fan interactions. Professionally, I’m consciously planning to slow down instead of doing multiple films back-to-back. I’m currently working on Cocktail 2 and Mysaa, with other projects in the pipeline, but I also want to focus on my health and well-being. I genuinely feel 2026 is going to be an exciting year for me, both personally and professionally, and I’m looking forward to everything it may bring. ‘Writing things down helps me hit reset’Journaling has become essential to how I process the end of a year and prepare for the next. When thoughts stay bottled up, they can feel overwhelming. Writing helps me clear my mind, understand my priorities and find clarity. The New Year feels like the perfect reminder to hit reset, to look back with gratitude and move forward with intention. I already have my journal for 2026 and look forward to filling it with reflections and lessons.