Actress Rashmika Mandhana, who started her career in Kannada films became popular by acting in super hit Telugu films such as 'Geetha Govindam', 'Sarileru Neekevaru' and 'Beeshma'. She also found success with her Tamil debut 'Sultan' starring Karthi in the lead role.

Rashmika went on to become a pan Indian star after the unprecedented success of 'Pushpa' directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun and Fahadh Faaasil. She is currently acting in a number of big budget films including Thalapathy Vijay's 'Varisu', Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' and 'Mision Majnu' amongst others.

The 26 year old beauty is now one of the highest paid actresses in the South and owns houses in her native Coorg in Karnataka, Hyderabad and Mumbai. However in a recent interview she shared that she sufferred poverty during her childhood and did not even have a toy when growing up.

Rashmika stated emotionally ""When I was young, my parents did not have money and there was such a hardship in the family. We suffered so much that we moved houses every two months unable to pay the rents properly. Even though we were in poverty my parents raised me by giving me full freedom. I used to long for toys as we couldnt afford them."

Now Rashmika has overcome all odds to reign as a top celebrity and youth icon dubbed the National Crush by her fans. Her next major film is 'Pushpa 2' which will go on floors soon. Her 'Varisu'/'Vaarasudu' starring her most favorite hero Thalapathy Vijay is slated for release on January 12th ahead of Pongal/Sankranti 2023.