Updated: February 27, 2026
Rashmika Mandanna First Engagement: Hey there, Bollywood and South cinema lovers! If you’ve been following Rashmika Mandanna’s journey, you know she’s one of the most loved and talked-about stars right now. Fresh off her dreamy wedding to Vijay Deverakonda on February 26, 2026, in Udaipur, fans are buzzing with joy over the “Virosh” union. But before this beautiful chapter, there was another story — one that tugged at hearts across the industry.
Today, let’s rewind to Rashmika’s first engagement — the one that made headlines back in 2017. It was a sweet, whirlwind romance that ended bittersweetly, but it shaped the strong, graceful woman we see today.
Table of Contents
How Rashmika and Rakshit Shetty’s Love Story Began
Rashmika Mandanna burst onto the scene with the Kannada hit Kirik Party in 2016, where she met co-star and director Rakshit Shetty. Sparks flew almost instantly on set. Rakshit, already an established name in Sandalwood, was 13 years her senior, but age was just a number for these two.
They dated for about a year, keeping things relatively low-key while building their careers. Rashmika, only 21 at the time, even convinced her family to support the relationship — a big step for the young actress from a close-knit Kodava background.
The Grand Engagement Ceremony in 2017
On July 3, 2017, the couple sealed their commitment in a lavish engagement ceremony attended by big names from the Kannada film industry. It was a grand affair filled with love, blessings, and excitement for what everyone thought would be a beautiful future together.
- Date: July 3, 2017
- Age at engagement: Rashmika — 21, Rakshit — 34
- How they met: On the sets of Kirik Party (2016)
- Relationship duration before engagement: Around 1 year
- Reason for calling off: Reported incompatibility and career priorities (mutual decision)
- Call-off date: September 2018
The engagement ring moment was picture-perfect, and fans were thrilled to see two talented people finding love in the industry.
Why the Engagement Was Called Off
Sadly, things didn’t work out as planned. In September 2018, the couple mutually decided to part ways and called off their wedding plans. Reports pointed to incompatibility as the main reason — different priorities, career demands, and perhaps the challenges of balancing personal life with rising fame.
Neither Rashmika nor Rakshit ever threw shade publicly. They handled the breakup with maturity and respect, staying cordial even after. Rashmika later opened up in subtle ways about how tough it was, but she emerged stronger. Interestingly, it was around this time that her bond with Vijay Deverakonda began to grow, especially after working together in Geetha Govindam (2018).
Lessons from Rashmika’s First Engagement
Looking back, this chapter taught Rashmika (and us fans) a few valuable things:
- Love needs more than just sparks — Timing, compatibility, and shared goals matter hugely.
- Growth comes from heartbreak — Rashmika focused on her career post-2018, delivering hits like Pushpa, Animal, and Chhaava, becoming a true pan-India star.
- Maturity wins — Both she and Rakshit moved on gracefully, with no drama or public spats.
- Second chances exist — Fast-forward to 2025–2026, and Rashmika found her forever in Vijay Deverakonda after a private engagement in October 2025.
It’s inspiring to see how life comes full circle. What started as a painful end in 2018 led to one of the most celebrated weddings in recent times.
Conclusion: From Heartbreak to Happily Ever After
Rashmika Mandanna’s first engagement with Rakshit Shetty remains a cherished (and slightly nostalgic) part of her story. It showed the world a young, hopeful Rashmika ready for forever — and even though it didn’t last, it helped her grow into the confident, radiant woman who just said “I do” to Vijay.
Her journey reminds us that not every love story is meant to be the last one, and that’s perfectly okay. Sometimes, the first teaches you what you truly need for the real deal.
Congratulations again to the newlyweds — may “Virosh” be filled with endless love and blockbuster moments! What do you think about Rashmika’s journey? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.