Rashmika Mandanna has made it clear that she has no plans to change the way she behaves simply because some people online interpret her warmth and kindness as ‘overacting’. The actor says being genuine matters more to her than winning approval on social media.
Rashmika Mandanna has responded to criticism surrounding her cheerful and affectionate personality, saying she would rather remain herself than alter her behaviour to satisfy people who dislike the way she expresses herself.
The actor opened up about the subject while promoting her upcoming film Ranabaali, in which she stars alongside her husband and co-star Vijay Deverakonda. During a conversation with YouTuber Keerthika Govindhasamy, Rashmika was asked about people who describe her kindness and friendly nature as excessive or performative.
Her response was straightforward: she does not believe she should have to become a different person simply because her personality does not appeal to everyone.
Rashmika Mandanna: ‘Kindness is not weakness’
Speaking about the criticism, Rashmika said she believes kindness should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Personally, I feel that kindness is not weakness, and I am someone who wants to be kind because there are a lot of negative feelings that are going around. I want to believe in kindness and bring some kind of positivity.”
She acknowledged that some people may still interpret her behaviour differently.
“Even if people call that overacting, it’s fine. Not everyone is everyone’s cup of tea.”
For Rashmika, the issue is less about convincing critics and more about staying comfortable with who she is. She explained that her warmth is not something she consciously performs for an audience.
“I choose to be like this, and I am very happy being like this because this is just me. I don’t have to pretend to do this; this is real. I can’t fake it to make someone happy.”
The actor added that this approach makes her happy and also matters to the people closest to her.
Why Rashmika does not want to change for social media
Celebrity behaviour is frequently dissected online, and even seemingly ordinary reactions can become subjects of intense discussion. Rashmika has faced both appreciation and criticism for her expressive and friendly public persona.
Rather than allowing those reactions to dictate how she behaves, the actor appears determined to maintain the personality she is comfortable with.
Her comments also underline a broader challenge faced by public figures: an interaction that feels spontaneous in real life can be interpreted very differently once it reaches social media.
For Rashmika, however, changing herself simply to avoid criticism would mean compromising something she considers genuine.
Vijay Deverakonda questions how online opinions are formed
During the conversation, Vijay Deverakonda also addressed the wider issue of trolling involving actors and public figures.
He argued that strong opinions about celebrities can sometimes develop without people having any direct experience of knowing them personally. According to Vijay, some online narratives may be deliberately amplified.
“You can only have feelings for someone when you have met them or spend some time with them. When you haven’t even met the person, how can you have such a strong opinion on their personality?”
Vijay further suggested that social-media platforms can make it relatively easy for a particular narrative to gain momentum.
“In the era of social media, it’s very easy to have 15 accounts.”
He described what he sees as a process in which a section of online users can attempt to establish a particular perception about a public figure.
His larger point was that such criticism should not necessarily persuade people to change their personalities.
Rashmika and Vijay reunite on screen in Ranabaali
The conversation comes as Rashmika and Vijay prepare for another major screen collaboration.
The two actors previously appeared together in Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade, films that established them as a popular on-screen pairing. Their upcoming project Ranabaali marks their return to the screen together after several years.
Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the period drama is set in 19th-century South India. The story is centred on a famine created under British rule and follows a man who rises to fight against the circumstances surrounding it.
The film also features Arnold Vosloo in a prominent role and is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 16.
Rashmika’s message is simple: she does not need everyone’s approval
Rashmika’s response to the criticism ultimately comes down to a personal choice. She knows that an expressive, warm personality may not be appreciated by everyone, but she does not see that as a reason to suppress it.
In an environment where celebrities are routinely judged through short clips, comments and social-media narratives, her position is that authenticity is more important than universal approval.
For Rashmika, being kind is not an act designed to win over an audience. It is simply the way she chooses to conduct herself.
And if some people continue to call that “overacting”, she appears perfectly comfortable letting them have their opinion.
