In a recent and somewhat surprising revelation, Rakshit Shetty, the former fiancé of Rashmika Mandanna, opened up about his current relationship with the actress — years after they called off their engagement. While Rashmika has moved on personally and professionally, Rakshit’s comments have reignited interest in their past connection and shown a more amicable side to their breakup.
The Beginning of a High-Profile Relationship
Rashmika and Rakshit’s story began on the sets of the 2016 Kannada film Kirik Party, where she made her acting debut. The two reportedly developed feelings for each other during the shoot and went on to get engaged in July 2017. At the time Rashmika was just 21 and a rising newcomer, while Rakshit was already an established name in the Kannada film industry. However, the engagement didn’t last long — they parted ways in 2018 for reasons neither party publicly detailed. Despite the split, neither ever spoke negatively about the other at the time.
Rakshit’s Recent Comments
In an interview while promoting his film Sapta Sagaradaache Ello: Side A, Rakshit was asked a simple question: “Are you still in touch with Rashmika?” Rather than avoid it, he responded honestly — and surprisingly warmly. He confirmed that yes, he and Rashmika do remain in contact. Rakshit praised Rashmika’s ambition and dedication to her career, noting that she has “a big dream in the world of cinema” and is actively pursuing it with passion and focus. He even suggested that her achievements deserve applause from everyone.
His comments painted a picture of a respectful and supportive relationship between two former partners, even though their romantic journey ended years ago. Rather than expressing bitterness or regret, Rakshit highlighted Rashmika’s strength and willpower — something many fans found both surprising and refreshing.
What This Really Means
It’s important to understand the context here. Since their breakup, Rashmika and Rakshit have taken very different paths, both personally and professionally. Rashmika is now in the spotlight for her upcoming wedding with Vijay Deverakonda, confirming their union with a heartfelt announcement and setting the date for a private ceremony in Udaipur later this month. Meanwhile, Rakshit has kept his focus on his film work.
Still, his admission of staying in touch suggests a maturity that’s not always common in celebrity breakups. While the relationship itself didn’t work out as a lifelong partnership, there’s clearly no lingering animosity — and Rakshit’s praise for Rashmika’s drive and success speaks volumes about his respect for her as both a person and an artist.
Fans React
Fans of Rashmika were quick to react online, with many pointing out that maintaining a friendly relationship with an ex is a sign of emotional growth and class. Others saw Rakshit’s comments as a reminder of how far Rashmika has come since her early days in the industry. Some even referenced how public perceptions of the breakup were often colored by gossip rather than facts about the individuals involved. However, speculation and commentary remain part of the wider conversation.
So what does Rakshit Shetty’s comment really tell us? Not that there’s lingering romance — but that two people who once shared a meaningful part of their lives can still have mutual respect and goodwill years after going their separate ways. In a world where celebrity relationships often end contentiously, this candid moment stands out as a genuinely positive glimpse into how things could be when both sides choose maturity over drama.