Just a week after one of the most widely discussed weddings in Indian cinema, actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna took time out to reconnect with the journalists who had chronicled their professional journeys from the very beginning.

The newly married couple organized a special afternoon lunch for members of the Telugu media community on Wednesday. The gathering took place only a few hours before their grand wedding reception was set to begin at the luxurious Taj Krishna. The event created a relaxed setting where the couple could express appreciation to the reporters and photographers who had followed their rise in the film industry over the years.

Vijay Reflects on His Early Days

During the interaction, Vijay appeared deeply moved as he spoke to the assembled media professionals. He reflected on how many of them had been observing his life and career since his early years. According to him, several journalists in the room had watched him grow from a young aspiring actor into the star he is today through countless film releases, interviews, and photo sessions.

He recalled that during the initial phase of his acting journey, media interactions played a vital role in helping him establish himself in the industry. At a time when he was still building his reputation, every interview and feature story contributed to his visibility and growth. Those early opportunities, he noted, were an essential part of shaping his career.

Vijay explained that the relationship between an actor pursuing his ambitions and the press documenting that journey had been ongoing for many years. The Telugu media, he acknowledged, had witnessed each stage of his development. Now, as he stepped into a new chapter of his personal life through marriage, many of those same journalists were still present, continuing to follow his path.

He also made a heartfelt appeal to the media, expressing hope that they would extend the same warmth and care to Rashmika. Referring to her affectionately as a new member of the Telugu family, he urged everyone to support and look after her as she embraced this new phase of life.

Celebrations Beyond the Spotlight

The lunch gathering represented only one aspect of the couple’s efforts to celebrate their wedding in a meaningful way with people who had supported them throughout their journey. Over the past week, Vijay and Rashmika arranged for large quantities of sweets to be delivered to different parts of India. These gifts carried a message expressing gratitude to fans and well-wishers who had been part of their lives and love story.

In addition, the pair organized annadanam, the traditional Hindu practice of offering free meals to devotees and visitors. This charitable initiative was conducted at sixteen temples across several states, including Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, allowing their wedding celebrations to reach communities far beyond the film industry.