‘Telugu states have a new daughter-in-law, take care of her’: Vijay Deverakonda’s emotional appeal to media as he and Rashmika Mandanna host meet

Rashmika, who made her name in Kannada cinema before becoming one of the most recognised faces across South Indian and Hindi film industries, kept her words brief but sincere. “This is the first time we are taking such a big step, so we seek all of your blessings for us to start a new life,” she said.

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna feeds Vijay Deverakonda, newlyweds serve food to fans at Hyderabad meet-and-greet. Watch

The media lunch was only one part of a week that the couple spent giving back to people who have been part of their lives. The couple sent truckloads of sweets across India carrying a joint message: “You have always been a part of our journeys and our love. And it would make us truly happy to celebrate our wedding with all of you.” They also organised annadanam, the Hindu tradition of offering free food, at 16 temples spread across Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu

This was not their first public appearance since tying the knot. On Tuesday, the couple had hosted around 200 fans for lunch at Daspalla in Hyderabad, spending time with them and interacting personally. The two looked relaxed and at ease throughout, a glimpse of a couple clearly still riding the warmth of the week just gone by. Wednesday’s media gathering carried the same tone, unhurried and genuine.

After the reception, the couple plans to take a month-long break from professional commitments. They will next be seen together on screen in Ranabali, scheduled for release on September 11.