‘I don’t know if it’s already happening…’: When Vijay Deverakonda praised his to-be wife, Rashmika Mandanna, redefining modern romance; expert on why affirmation matters | Feelings News

3 min readNew DelhiFeb 20, 2026 08:00 PM Last year, actor Vijay Deverakonda’s heartfelt words about his partner Rashmika Mandanna at a film success event reflected several themes many couples relate to: standing someone through criticism, recognising their evolution, and celebrating their courage to take risks. Speaking about watching the film, he shared how deeply it affected him emotionally. “I watched ‘The Girlfriend’, and I was emotional throughout. I couldn’t stop my tears.” He described how the story and its portrayal of sensitive issues stayed with him, setting the tone for what became an emotional tribute on stage.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO
Reflecting on his partner’s journey over the years, he said, “I’ve seen Rashmika since Geetha Govindam, and she truly is a Bhooma Devi (her character in The Girlfriend). From that point, she has become the woman she is today, choosing to take on a film like this at the peak of her career. I feel so proud.” 
He also addressed the criticism and bullying she has faced over time. “She has faced her share of criticism and bullying. If it were me, I’d react immediately, but Rashmika chooses kindness every single day, no matter what people say. One day, the world will see you for who you are, and I don’t know if it’s already happening, but you are an amazing woman.” 
According to a report SCREEN, a wedding invitation from actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna has surfaced online, revealing details about their wedding that is supposed to be held on February 26, followed a reception on March 4 in Hyderabad.
As we reflect on the love that the couple have for each other, we speak with an expert to understand how important affirmation and verbal appreciation are in strengthening a romantic relationship.
Counselling psycholog Athul Raj tells , “Affirmation matters because adults don’t stop needing reassurance just because they are grown. In therapy, I see people who are successful, confident on the outside, but emotionally unsure at home. When a partner says something like ‘I’m proud of you,’ it settles a lot of unspoken fear. That’s why what Vijay Deverakonda said about Rashmika Mandanna felt real to people. It wasn’t dramatic. It was steady.” 
In Indian relationships, appreciation is often replaced duty or silence, he reveals. We assume love is understood. “But emotionally, that creates insecurity. Verbal appreciation gives clarity. It tells the person where they stand.” Story continues below this ad
Acknowledging and celebrating each other’s growth in long-term relationships
Long-term relationships struggle when partners stop noticing each other. Raj states, “Growth happens quietly, but it needs to be seen. Especially during career changes or life shifts, people are already unsettled inside. If their partner still treats them like an older version of themselves, resentment builds.”
Acknowledgement doesn’t mean celebration. It means observation. Saying, ‘You’re not the same person you were five years ago–and I see that.’ “In Indian relationships, roles harden fast. Breaking that pattern keeps intimacy alive. When growth is recognised, people feel respected. And respect is what keeps relationships steady over time,” concludes Raj.