Actor Rashmika Mandanna has opened up about the importance of setting personal boundaries at work, admitting that she is not always comfortable showing skin and sometimes struggles to voice her concerns. Her husband, actor Vijay Deverakonda, also weighed in on the pressure female actors face to comply with industry expectations, amid the controversy surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s look in Peddi.During an appearance on Koffee With Karan 9, Rashmika opened up about the lines she draws when it comes to costumes and on-screen appearances.

While acknowledging that certain characters may require specific looks, she said that she is not comfortable with excessive skin show.Karan Johar: #JanhviKapoor spoke about her experience with #Peddi, and there was so much chatter around it. I haven’t seen that happen with Rashmika at all.

Are you more careful? #RashmikaMandanna & #VijayDeverakonda’s Reply https://t.co/hRt5ZGhqhf— cinee worldd (@Cinee_Worldd) October 21, 2026“There are some things which I am not okay with. I know some characters sort of need something like a bikini, but even in that, I will say that I am not very comfortable with exposing and skin show.

I am not that kind of person,” she said.The Cocktail 2 actor also acknowledged that commercial films can sometimes require costumes that performers may not feel entirely comfortable wearing. However, she stressed that actors should be able to communicate their concerns and establish boundaries without feeling intimidated. “But again, when you do commercial films, there will be costumes which you are not completely comfortable with.

But at the same time, there are lines that I draw for myself. And most films, the directors are okay with it.Those are the people I prefer working with,” the 30-year-old actor added.

She further explained that making it easier for actors to raise such concerns is important, particularly because initiating these conversations can be difficult. Recalling how she seeks reassurance before voicing her discomfort, she said she often discusses such matters with Vijay.“You need to make it sort of easier for the actors to come and ask these questions because even I find it hard.

Sometimes I feel like, ‘No, I don't want to do this,’ but it takes a lot of conversations with Vijju, saying, ‘Okay, I really want to say this, do you think I can?’ And he is like, ‘Yeah, of course you should,’” she said.Adding to Rashmika’s thoughts, Vijay highlighted how the pressure to appear professional can make it difficult for women to refuse something that makes them uncomfortable. He pointed out that actors may feel compelled to comply because they have already signed a film or are expected to do whatever the role demands.“They all need a support system to tell them that it's okay and put your foot down and say no, because people can make you feel like, ‘But you are an actress’, ‘But you have signed this film’, ‘Isn't this your job?’” the Liger actor said.Vijay added that such expectations can make performers question their own professionalism, pushing them to agree to things they might otherwise refuse.“You start feeling this pressure that, am I not doing my job, am I not being professional?

Then they start making you feel uncomfortable, and then you think, ‘Okay, let's not make a big deal out of it, let's hope that it'll all be okay.’ And you kind of do it unwillingly in a way,” he explained.Janhvi Kapoor's Peddi controversyJanhvi Kapoor's character in Peddi faced criticism on social media, with viewers objecting to what they described as hypersexualisation. The camera work, romantic scenes and focus on her physical appearance became part of the backlash.

The criticised portions were later removed, and director Buchi Babu Sana apologised.Not just Janhvi, Yash’s Toxic also faced questions over its portrayal of women even before its release. After the film reached theatres, the criticism grew, with some viewers accusing the makers of presenting female characters largely through glamour, sensuality and their connection to the male protagonist.- Ends