Mumbai: Rashmika Mandanna and Allu Arjun’s song “Peelings” from Pushpa 2: The Rule created significant buzz among fans and critics. The song received a mixed response, with many viewers expressing discomfort over its choreography. Addressing the criticism for the first time, Rashmika Mandanna shared her candid experiences and challenges while shooting the song.
In an interview with Galatta Plus, Rashmika revealed that her biggest hurdle during the shoot was overcoming her fear of getting up. She admitted to feeling uncomfortable with many of the dance moves, which required her to perform in mid-air or be lifted repeatedly by the dancers and co-star Allu Arjun.
“Peelings was shot just a few days before its release,” Rashmika shared, explaining the hectic schedule. “We completed the shooting of that song in five days. When I first saw the rehearsal video I couldn’t believe it. I remember thinking, ‘What in the world is going on?’ Because most of the time it felt as if I was dancing on Allu Arjun sir and not with him!
Despite her reservations, Rashmika decides to challenge herself. She said, “At first I was not very comfortable, but then I thought that if this is what the film requires, I will have to give my best.”
Rashmika highlighted the importance of trusting her director and co-actor in completing the challenging sequence. “When you surrender yourself to the director’s vision and the energy of a co-star like Allu Arjun, things eventually become fun,” he explains. “It’s important to trust the process, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel in the beginning.”
The actress also admitted that stepping out of her comfort zone is part of her growth as an actor. “If I don’t take these opportunities, I’ll get typecast. I want to constantly surprise myself and my audience.”
When asked if she had any doubts about the choreography, Rashmika admitted that she didn’t give herself room for doubts. “If I start doubting myself or my choices, I won’t be able to perform. Acting is my bread and butter, and my job is to entertain and satisfy my director’s vision,” she said.
Rashmika was unaffected by the mixed reactions to the song. He acknowledged that art is subjective and that not every piece of work may appeal to all audiences. “People may dislike certain elements, and that’s okay. My focus is on giving my best in every role, every scene and every song. If the director is happy, then I know I’ve done my job,” she explained.
His down-to-earth approach highlights his dedication to his art and his openness to both praise and criticism. “At the end of the day, I take on these projects to push my limits. Be it running around trees in a classic romantic film or doing something experimental like Peelings, I want to explore every aspect of being an actor,” she said.
