Dheekshith Shetty’s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to perseverance and talent along with Rashmika Mandanna. Born in Kundapur, Karnataka, this law graduate turned actor has steadily built his reputation across multiple film industries. Beginning his career in Kannada television with shows like ‘Preethi Endarenu’ and ‘Saakshi,’ Shetty gained significant recognition through his role in the popular series ‘Naagini,’ where he played Arjun/Partha from 2016 to 2020. His television success was further cemented when he and co-star Deepika Das won the reality show ‘Dance Karnataka Dance’ in 2017.
The transition from television to cinema came with the critically acclaimed Kannada film ‘Dia’ (2020), where Shetty’s portrayal of Rohit earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the South Indian International Movie Awards. This breakthrough performance opened doors to opportunities in Telugu cinema, with roles in films like ‘Mugguru Monagallu’ (2021) and ‘The Rose Villa’ (2021). However, it was his performance as Siddham “Suri” Suryam in Nani-starrer ‘Dasara’ (2023) that truly established him as a pan-Indian talent, earning him the SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu.
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Rashmika Mandanna is the Reason for The Girlfriend; I’m Only a Part of It
In a recent interview, Dheekshith Shetty spoke candidly about his experience working with national crush Rashmika Mandanna in their upcoming film ‘The Girlfriend,’ directed by Rahul Ravindran. With remarkable humility, Shetty acknowledged Rashmika’s star power, stating, “Whether you accept it or not, Rashmika is a star. She is doing films across the country. She is very hardworking and is where she is today on account of that. The reason that a film like The Girlfriend has been made is Rashmika; I’m only a part of it.”
Despite the significant difference in their industry standing, Shetty emphasized that Rashmika never displayed any star-like behavior during filming. “On the set, Rashmika was never a star; she was always an artiste and a very cooperative one at that. She helped me a lot during the making and we’d discuss scenes at length. That I am a relative newbie, comparatively, was never an issue for her,” he shared. This collaborative approach has reportedly translated into strong on-screen chemistry between the two actors.
The Girlfriend: A Unique Love Story Creating Buzz
‘The Girlfriend,’ touted as a one-of-a-kind love story, has generated significant anticipation since its teaser release on December 9, 2024. The teaser, which features a voiceover by Vijay Deverakonda, offers glimpses into a complex romantic narrative centered around Rashmika’s character and her relationship with Dheekshith’s character Vikram/Vicky.
The film has recently been trending on social media with fans using the hashtag #ReleaseTheGirlfriend, prompting responses from both director Rahul Ravindran and Rashmika Mandanna. On May 17, 2025, Rashmika addressed the delay, sharing: “I know we’ve been making you wait… but trust me, @23_rahulr is really working on it to give you the best output and it’s one of the most special kind of films… it’s a film where we speak about things we generally don’t talk much about. It’s a pure character-driven film, and that’s the beauty of it.”
She further promised fans that the team would “speed up the process” in response to the overwhelming support. The film, produced by Dheeraj Mogilineni and Vidya Koppineedi, also features Rao Ramesh and Rohini in significant roles.
Dheekshith Shetty’s Filmography: A Versatile Portfolio
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Dia | Rohit | Kannada | SIIMA nomination for Best Supporting Actor |
| 2021 | Mugguru Monagallu | Chandrathreya Kishore Varma | Telugu | Telugu debut |
| 2021 | The Rose Villa | Ravi | Telugu | Lead role |
| 2023 | Dasara | Siddham “Suri” Suryam | Telugu | SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 2024 | KTM | Karthik | Kannada | Lead role |
| 2024 | Blink | Apoorva | Kannada | Experimental film based on Oedipus |
| 2025 | The Girlfriend | Vikram/Vicky | Telugu | Upcoming release with Rashmika Mandanna |
Beyond Acting: Dheekshith’s Multifaceted Career
Beyond his acting career, Dheekshith Shetty has established himself as an acting teacher at the institute ‘An Actor Prepares’ in Bangalore since 2018. A trained Yakshagana dancer, he brings this classical art form’s discipline to his performances. Shetty is also known for his support of animal welfare causes, frequently campaigning for ‘South Bengaluru Cares,’ an adoption center for rescued puppies and kittens.
With upcoming projects including ‘Bank of Bhagyalakshmi’ in Kannada and ‘KJQ’ in Telugu, along with his Malayalam debut in ‘Oppees,’ Shetty’s career trajectory continues to rise across South Indian cinema.
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FAQs
How did Dheekshith Shetty transition from television to films?
Dheekshith gained popularity through the Kannada TV show ‘Naagini’ before making his film debut with ‘Dia’ in 2020, which earned him critical acclaim and opened doors to opportunities in multiple film industries.
When is The Girlfriend expected to release?
While initially slated for a June 16, 2025 release, the film has faced delays. Recently, both director Rahul Ravindran and Rashmika Mandanna have promised fans they’re working to expedite the process, with updates expected soon.
The collaboration between Dheekshith Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna in ‘The Girlfriend’ represents a significant milestone in Shetty’s career. As he continues to build his filmography across languages and genres, this rising star exemplifies how talent, humility, and perseverance can create a path to success in the competitive world of Indian cinema.
