National crush Rashmika Mandanna completely stole the spotlight during the high-energy trailer launch of her upcoming romantic-comedy ‘Cocktail 2’ in Mumbai. When quizzed about her “pehla pyaar” (first love) by the media, the actress gracefully deflected the question by expressing immense contentment in her newly married life with superstar Vijay Deverakonda. Flanked by co-stars Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, the dynamic trio opened up on romance and relationships.
Rashmika Mandanna’s sweet response about Vijay Deverakonda
During the interactive Q&A session at the press junket, a reporter asked the panel about their personal experiences with “first love.” Refusing to dive into past relationships, Rashmika proudly highlighted her present reality with her husband, actor Vijay Deverakonda.“I’m very happy being married right now, so I don’t think I should backtrack there,” Rashmika stated with a wide smile, according to News18.When her co-star Kriti Sanon playfully pushed her further, asking if she even remembered who her first crush or love was, Rashmika doubled down on her stance, prioritizing her current relationship stability:“Why? I’m very happy here, now, (in the) present.”The couple, who successfully kept their long-term relationship low-profile for years, officially tied the knot in February 2026. Their breathtaking, intimate destination wedding in Udaipur was followed by a massive, star-studded reception party in Hyderabad that dominated national headlines.
Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon weigh in on ‘Aakhri Pyaar’
As the conversation around modern romance evolved on stage, Kriti Sanon shared a philosophical and incredibly grounded observation about how young love matures over time.“Jab hota hai shayad pyaar hai, phir lagta hai shayad nahi tha. (When it happens, it feels like love, and then later on it doesn’t). It happens,” Kriti shared.Shahid Kapoor, wrapped up the discussion with a beautiful perspective on what long-term commitment truly means, emphasizing that finality trumps nostalgia.“I don’t think sab ko yaad rehta hai (I don’t think everyone remembers). What matters is your aakhri pyaar (final love). Pehla pyaar toh pata bhi nahi hota kya hota hai. (You don’t even know what love is at first). But love is when you can settle and you know you can be with someone forever, accept them for however they are,” Kapoor explained.
About ‘Cocktail 2’
‘Cocktail 2’ serves as the spiritual successor to the 2012 cult classic ‘Cocktail’, which featured notable performances from Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty. Helmed once again by Homi Adajania, the sequel features a new narrative layout, exploring messy modern friendships, urban heartbreaks and complex love triangles. With a chart-topping soundtrack and infectious on-screen chemistry between Shahid, Kriti, and Rashmika displayed in the newly dropped trailer, the film is expected to draw major youth audiences upon its arrival on June 19, 2026.
