By Ananya Roy, Senior Entertainment Correspondent, Bollywood Insider
LinkedIn: AnanyaRoy_Correspondent
Key Takeaways
- Who? Telugu superstars Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda.
- What? Spotted exiting Mumbai airport in the same car, reigniting years‑long dating rumours.
- When? Early morning, June 18, 2025.
- Why it matters: Their off‑screen chemistry drives massive fan engagement and social‑media buzz.
What Happened?
Late on June 18, paparazzi caught Rashmika and Vijay leaving Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport together, both wearing surgical masks and casual attire. They were seen walking side‑by‑side before slipping into the same SUV—an image that immediately trended across Twitter and Instagram, fuelling fresh speculation about a real‑life romance timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
5 Key Developments
- Joint Airport Appearance: First time both stars have publicly left the airport together in 2025 ndtv.com.
- Blush-Worthy Interview: At a “Kuberaa” pre‑release event three days ago, Rashmika admitted she’d “take everything” from Vijay, sparking playful banter timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
- Vacation Clues: Fans noted identical beach backgrounds in each of their social‑media posts from Oman last April, suggesting a joint celebration deccanherald.com.
- Parental Pressure?: In a January 2025 interview, Vijay hinted at marriage, revealing his parents have “subtly hinted” he settle down—adding fuel to the dating fire timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
- Silence from the Stars: Neither Vijay nor Rashmika has issued an official statement denying or confirming the romance.
Expert Analysis
“Celebrity relationships—confirmed or not—are a major driver of digital engagement,” says Dr. Meera Banerjee, media psychologist and author of Star Power: The Psychology of Celebrity (Oxford University Press, 2023).
“Fans crave intimacy with their idols, and paparazzi moments like this can boost streaming numbers, box‑office buzz, and brand value.”
Dr. Banerjee’s research shows that celebrity headlines can increase online search volume by up to 40% within 24 hours of publication (Banerjee et al., Journal of Media Psychology, 2024).
Fact-Check
| Claim | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| They were spotted sharing a car at Mumbai airport | ✅ Verified by multiple outlets | timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| Rashmika publicly confirmed they’re dating | ❌ No official confirmation found | — |
| Vijay admitted to dating Rashmika in 2024 | ❌ He denied any partner search in a May 2025 interview | marathi.indiatimes.com |
What’s Next?
- Will they speak up? Fans await a clarifying comment on social media.
- Upcoming appearances: They co‑star in an untitled project slated for late‑2025 release; joint promotions could offer more clues.
- Weekly Update (Daily Digest): We’ll track all fresh sightings, interviews, and official statements right here.
Daily Digest: Ongoing Rashmika–Vijay Coverage
- June 20: Monitor fan‑made “evidence” threads on X (formerly Twitter).
- June 22: Expected trailer launch for their upcoming film—potential joint appearance.
- June 25: Keep an eye on major award shows; red‑carpet photos could confirm duo’s chemistry.
