As Chhaava hit theaters on Friday, Rashmika Mandanna’s portrayal of Maharani Yesubai captivated the audience.
Known for her versatility and charm, she embodies the grace and resilience of the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a character played by Vicky Kaushal.
The Pushpa star once again earned widespread praise for bringing depth and authenticity to the historical character and delivering a compelling performance that has left a lasting impact. Social and mainstream media in India are abuzz with an appreciation for Rashmika’s dedication, from mastering the Marathi dialect to adapting the regal demeanour befitting a Maratha queen.
The actress, too, shared her excitement about joining the project, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses from the historical war drama. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rashmika revealed how she was surprised when director Laxman Utekar approached her for the role.
“I had watched the film Mimi and loved it so much that I wanted to invite Laxman sir for the screening of my film Goodbye,” she wrote. “I messaged him, and that’s when the journey began. Sir immediately asked if he could call me, and during our conversation, he mentioned wanting to meet me for his next film. I thought he was just being nice, but when the meeting actually happened, it made me so, so happy. I truly thank the universe for this.”
In an interview earlier, Rashmika insisted that that stepping into the shoes of Maharani Yesubai was a unique challenge.
“We have read about them, but we have never seen them. How did the Maharani walk, talk, or express emotions? These were things I had to figure out.”