A week after one of Indian cinema’s most talked-about weddings, actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna took time away from the grandeur of celebrations to honour the people who have documented their journeys from the very beginning. On Wednesday afternoon, just hours before their formal wedding reception at Taj Krishna, the couple hosted a special lunch for members of the Telugu media fraternity. The intimate gathering reflected gratitude, humility, and a sense of continuity between their personal milestone and professional paths.
Vijay Deverakonda, visibly emotional during his address, spoke with sincerity rather than scripted polish. Acknowledging the role the media played in shaping his career, he reminded the room that many present had watched him grow from a newcomer chasing auditions to a leading star commanding massive audiences. He noted how, in the early stages of his career, every interview, every feature, and every photograph mattered deeply. Those early moments of coverage were stepping stones, and he made it clear that he had not forgotten that support. Drawing a line from those formative years to his present moment as a married man, Vijay described the relationship between himself and the Telugu press as one built over time, shared through professional highs and personal growth.
In a heartfelt remark that resonated across the room, Vijay said the Telugu states now have a new daughter-in-law and requested everyone to take care of Rashmika. The statement was less a celebrity soundbite and more a reflection of cultural sentiment, acknowledging the collective affection and scrutiny that accompanies stardom in regional cinema industries. His words framed their wedding not merely as a private union but as a shared celebration with the community that has supported them.
Rashmika Mandanna, who began her career in Kannada cinema before expanding into Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films, kept her remarks brief yet meaningful. She acknowledged that this was the first time the couple was taking such a significant step together and sought blessings for their new life. Her understated response complemented Vijay’s emotional speech, reinforcing the grounded tone of the event. The lunch was unhurried and warm, mirroring the couple’s recent public interactions.
The media gathering was just one of several gestures the couple undertook during their wedding week. In a move that reflected inclusivity and gratitude, they sent truckloads of sweets across India with a joint message expressing their desire to celebrate their wedding with everyone who had been part of their journeys. Additionally, they organised annadanam — the Hindu tradition of offering free meals — at 16 temples across multiple states including Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. These initiatives highlighted a blend of personal celebration and social responsibility, positioning their wedding as both intimate and expansive in spirit.
Earlier in the week, the couple also hosted approximately 200 fans for lunch at Daspalla in Hyderabad, spending time interacting and posing for photographs. The relaxed setting allowed admirers to see them as individuals rather than distant celebrities. Observers noted how comfortable and at ease the two appeared, still immersed in the warmth of newlywed joy.
Following their wedding reception, Vijay and Rashmika plan to take a month-long break from professional commitments. However, fans will not have to wait too long to see them together on screen. The couple is set to appear in Ranabali, scheduled for release on September 11. As they step into married life while continuing their cinematic journeys, their recent gestures suggest that gratitude and connection remain central to who they are — both as artists and as individuals.