Introduction
In the glamorous world of Indian cinema, celebrity relationships often become the subject of immense public interest. One such pair that has continually intrigued fans is Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. Despite never confirming their relationship status, the duo has often been spotted together off-screen and have a sizzling on-screen chemistry. Recently, Vijay Deverakonda turned 36, and Rashmika Mandanna’s sweet birthday post sent social media into a frenzy.
In this article, we explore the reactions, fan theories, past moments, and public appearances that continue to fuel rumors of a romance between the two stars. We’ll also delve into how such relationships influence fan engagement and how celebrities navigate personal bonds in the spotlight.
The Birthday Moment That Went Viral
On May 9, 2025, Rashmika Mandanna took to Instagram to wish Vijay Deverakonda on his 36th birthday. Sharing an adorable, unseen picture of them together, she captioned it, “Happy birthday, Viju. May your smile keep shining and your dreams take flight. Always rooting for you. 💕”
The photo showed the two in a cozy moment, seemingly candid, where Rashmika leaned into Vijay, who had his arm gently around her shoulders. The post instantly went viral, racking up over 2 million likes within hours and igniting a firestorm of speculation about their relationship status.
Vijay Deverakonda’s Reaction
Vijay responded in the comment section with a simple yet telling, “Thank you, love ❤️.”
This brief comment only added to the speculation. While neither has confirmed anything publicly, the affectionate language and frequent mentions of each other in interviews have given fans enough material to believe there’s something more than just friendship brewing.
A Timeline of Their Rumored Relationship
1. Geetha Govindam (2018)
Their on-screen chemistry in the hit film “Geetha Govindam” sparked the initial rumors. Fans couldn’t get enough of their playful banter and believable romance.
2. Dear Comrade (2019)
They reunited for this emotionally intense film, further strengthening fans’ belief in their real-life closeness. Behind-the-scenes videos and joint promotions showed them being extremely comfortable and playful with each other.
3. Frequent Vacation Sightings
In 2021, rumors swirled when the two were spotted vacationing in the Maldives around the same time, though they didn’t post photos together. Sharp-eyed fans noted similar backgrounds in their posts.
4. Family Events
In 2023, Rashmika was reportedly seen attending Vijay’s brother Anand’s film premiere, sitting beside Vijay’s mother—another hint fueling the dating rumors.
Social Media Hints and Interactions
Though both stars are relatively private about their personal lives, social media often gives away subtle clues. Rashmika’s use of the nickname “Viju” is intimate and rarely used by others publicly. Fans also noticed the two frequently liking each other’s posts and leaving cryptic emojis.
In 2024, when Vijay posted about his pet dog, Rashmika replied with a paw emoji and a heart, prompting fans to question whether they co-own the pet.
Fan Reactions and Trends
Following the birthday post, #Viju and #Rashmika started trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans flooded social media with collages, video edits, and speculative posts. Many hoped for an official announcement while others celebrated the alleged couple’s bond.
Popular fan tweet: “Rashmika calling him Viju and his reply with ‘love’—our hearts can’t take this cuteness anymore. Just announce already!”
Navigating Romance in the Public Eye
For actors like Vijay and Rashmika, maintaining a private life can be difficult. With constant media scrutiny and online attention, personal moments often become public spectacles. This level of exposure can strain or strengthen relationships depending on how the individuals handle it.
Both Vijay and Rashmika have, in interviews, emphasized the importance of privacy and mental peace. Rashmika once said, “Relationships are sacred. Whether friendship or love, they need to be protected.”
The Impact on Their Careers
Interestingly, the rumors have done little to hurt their individual careers. If anything, their perceived bond has increased their appeal, both as a potential romantic pair in films and as relatable young stars navigating fame and relationships.
Rashmika’s upcoming films include high-profile Bollywood projects and South Indian dramas. Vijay is working on a new pan-India action-romance slated for release in 2026.
Table: Timeline of Rashmika-Vijay Public Interactions
| Year | Event | Public Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Geetha Govindam | Sparked dating rumors |
| 2019 | Dear Comrade | Strengthened chemistry buzz |
| 2021 | Maldives Trip | Social media sleuthing by fans |
| 2023 | Film premiere | Spotted with Vijay’s family |
| 2025 | Birthday Post | Went viral with romantic message |
Expert Take on Celeb Relationships
Psychologists note that public interest in celebrity relationships stems from parasocial bonds—one-sided emotional attachments fans form with stars. “Fans feel invested in these couples. It gives them joy, hope, and a break from daily monotony,” explains Dr. Aruna Singh, a media psychologist.
Meanwhile, PR experts believe that maintaining mystery works in the stars’ favor. “Unconfirmed relationships keep the curiosity alive. As long as it doesn’t become scandalous, it’s a win-win for fan engagement.”
Conclusion
Whether Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are officially together or not, their bond continues to captivate the public. Their interactions—subtle yet meaningful—are more than enough for fans to believe in a real-life love story unfolding. The recent birthday exchange only strengthens this narrative.
For now, fans are content watching the story blossom, whether through movie screens or Instagram captions. The world will keep guessing, but one thing is certain: the chemistry between ‘Viju’ and Rashmika is very real—on-screen and possibly off-screen too.
FAQs
1. Are Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna officially dating?
No, neither has confirmed the relationship, but their public interactions suggest a close bond.
2. Why did Rashmika call Vijay ‘Viju’ in her birthday post?
“Viju” appears to be a personal nickname, indicating closeness and affection.
3. How did fans react to the birthday post?
The post went viral, with hashtags like #Viju trending and fans celebrating the moment.
4. Have they worked together in films?
Yes, they starred in “Geetha Govindam” and “Dear Comrade,” both of which were well-received.
5. Do celebrity relationships affect their career positively or negatively?
It depends on public perception, but in this case, the rumors seem to have enhanced their popularity.
June 14, 2025