t is a landmark year for Rashmika Mandanna, both personally and professionally. Just days after her wedding to Vijay Deverakonda, the actress has secured a major professional milestone by winning the Best Actress award at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2026. The prestigious state honors, announced on Saturday, March 7, recognized Mandanna for her soul-stirring performance in the critically acclaimed film The Girlfriend.
The news sparked an outpouring of love from the film fraternity. Noted singer Chinmayi Sripada was among the first to congratulate the actress on Instagram, wishing her many more accolades in the future. A clearly emotional Rashmika reshared the tribute, tagging the film’s director, Rahul Ravindran, with a jubilant caption: “Rahulaaaa! I can’t believe ittt!!”
The win cements Mandanna’s position as a powerhouse in the Telugu film industry and marks her first major award as a married woman. Directed by Ravindran, The Girlfriend has been a career-defining project for the actress, earning her widespread praise for her nuanced portrayal.