Rashmika Mandanna, known for her vibrant energy and captivating performances, recently opened up about a personal fear she had to confront while filming for her song “Peelings” from Pushpa 2. The actress shared that she has a deep fear of being lifted, which made the scenes in the song particularly challenging for her. Despite her usual confidence, the thought of being lifted in a sequence caused her a great deal of anxiety, making it one of the more difficult experiences on set.
Ahead of the song’s release, Rashmika took to social media to credit her co-actor Allu Arjun for helping her overcome this fear. She wrote, “I promise you I couldn’t have gotten over my fear of being lifted if it wasn’t for @alluarjun sir. And sir knows it! Trust me, it was hard af but mad fun doing this song with sir!” Her post not only reflected the bond she shares with her co-actor but also shed light on how professional challenges can be overcome with trust and teamwork.
The revelation about Rashmika’s fear sparked curiosity among fans and raised the question: what exactly is the fear of being lifted? Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior consultant psychiatrist at Udgam, a mental health care and rehabilitation center in New Delhi, provided insights into this unusual but real fear. According to Dr. Kumar, the fear of being lifted is an “anxiety response” that emerges from a sense of vulnerability, loss of control, or past traumatic experiences. “The fear includes not just the physical act of being lifted but also the emotional and psychological distress associated with it,” he explained.
In Rashmika’s case, the fear might have been rooted in a lack of control over her body during a potentially vulnerable moment. The fear of being physically handled or lifted can be linked to a larger fear of losing control or being placed in an unfamiliar or compromising situation. It might also stem from past experiences of physical discomfort or even accidents that led to a traumatic association with being lifted.
Dr. Kumar elaborated further, explaining that this type of fear can often be connected to phobias such as acrophobia (fear of heights) or basophobia (fear of falling). In some cases, these fears are part of a larger psychological condition like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) stemming from a past incident, such as a fall or a negative experience with being physically handled. He emphasized that the fear is not necessarily about the act itself but the emotional and psychological distress it triggers.
For Rashmika, overcoming this fear was no small feat. But thanks to Allu Arjun’s support and her own determination, she managed to get through the difficult filming process. This behind-the-scenes challenge made her performance even more relatable and real to her audience, adding another layer to her portrayal of the character in Pushpa 2.
Rashmika’s vulnerability in sharing this personal struggle with her fans highlights an important aspect of mental health in the entertainment industry. Celebrities, despite their public personas, also face the same fears and challenges as the rest of us. Her openness about her anxiety helps normalize conversations about mental health and the importance of supporting one another in both personal and professional challenges.
The story of Rashmika’s fear of being lifted also serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their success or fame, has personal battles to fight. Overcoming such fears often requires immense trust in those around us. In Rashmika’s case, Allu Arjun’s encouragement and understanding helped her push through the discomfort, creating a safe environment in which she could perform.
As Rashmika continues to shine on screen, her courage in confronting her fears off-screen serves as an inspiration for many. It reminds us that even the most confident individuals might have vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, and the process of overcoming them can be just as rewarding as the end result.
Rashmika’s experience on the Pushpa 2 set also sheds light on the often-hidden pressures that actors face while filming intense and physically demanding scenes. It is easy for the audience to focus on the final product, which typically showcases flawless performances, but behind the scenes, actors are human beings who have to overcome fears, insecurities, and personal challenges. This transparency from Rashmika about her vulnerability shows a new side of the actor that fans don’t often get to see.
Moreover, her willingness to share this aspect of her journey underscores the importance of mental health in the entertainment industry. While the physical toll of acting is often discussed, the emotional and psychological challenges that come with taking on complex roles are rarely given the same attention. By revealing her fear, Rashmika is not just talking about her struggle but also contributing to a broader conversation about mental well-being and its connection to performance.
Interestingly, Rashmika’s collaboration with Allu Arjun in Pushpa 2 has become more than just a professional one. Their on-screen chemistry, coupled with the support and camaraderie off-screen, highlights the crucial role of mutual trust between actors. The environment on set, where an actor feels safe to express vulnerability and push through discomfort, plays a significant role in the final outcome of a film. In this case, Rashmika’s fear was overcome not just by personal strength but also by the encouragement of her co-actor, making it a collective effort.
Looking ahead, it is likely that more actors will speak out about the personal challenges they face while filming. As more industry professionals like Rashmika open up about their experiences, it will hopefully lead to a more supportive environment for those in the entertainment world. This transparency not only humanizes celebrities but also helps in destigmatizing fears and anxieties, making it easier for others to relate and seek help if needed.