At a recent success event in Hyderabad for Rashmika Mandanna’s film The Girlfriend, actor Vijay Deverakonda stepped up seemingly just for her. As the crowd cheered, he took her hand and gently kissed it—Rashmika blushed, photographers clicked furiously, and social-media exploded within minutes.
“His real life #girlfriend,” one fan tweeted.
This public display of affection marks a departure from years of subtlety and silence from the couple.
From Screen Chemistry to Real Romance
The two stars first paired up in the hit film Geetha Govindam (2018) and then in Dear Comrade (2019). Those collaborations built their on-screen chemistry and began the speculation off-screen. According to reports:
- They kept their relationship private, never officially confirming romance.
- In October 2025, reports say they got engaged in a private ceremony attended by family.
- Wedding preparations are rumoured for February 2026.
What Their Words Reveal
Rashmika recently spoke openly about her expectations from a partner:
“My type is honestly someone who is capable of understanding at a deep level… Someone who is genuinely nice and someone who can fight a war with me, or for me… I will take a bullet for him any day.”
When asked in a light-hearted segment whom she would marry, date or kill among actors she’s worked with, she placed Vijay in the “marry” column.
These candid hints, combined with that public hand-kiss, leave little doubt about the seriousness of their relationship.
What This Means for Fans & Industry
- For fans: A decade of “will they/won’t they” appears finally taking a turn toward “when”. The hand-kiss moment has sent waves of excitement across social media.
- For industry watchers: The confirmed engagement (via team statements) and the drip of PDA signals a well-orchestrated transition from privacy to public announcement.
- For the stars’ journey: From co-stars to a real-life pairing, this marks a significant chapter. If the February 2026 wedding happens, it will rank among the most talked-about celeb unions.
What’s Next on the Timeline?
- Look for official confirmation of the wedding date and venue (rumours point to a destination event).
- Expect more events where the duo may appear together more openly.
- Watch for possible joint media interaction or an official statement to fully transition from rumours to announcement.
