The “National Crush” of Kannada cinema, Rukmini Vasanth, is flourishing in her career at the moment. The first glimpse of her as “Mellisa,” in the Yash-starrer Toxic set the internet ablaze recently, and fans are just over the top to find out everything about the actress including whether she is in a relationship. Then, over the weekend, a “cozy” photo of Rukmini with Bengaluru-based photographer Siddhant Nag went viral, spurring the masses to question whether the Sapta Sagaradaache Ello star is officially off the market.
The Viral Picture: Fact or Fiction?
The image in question is Rukmini leaning affectionately on Siddhant’s shoulder, with her arms wrapped around his. While the photo may have sparked immediate “dating rumors,” it isn’t actually new. Siddhant Nag originally posted the picture with a caption that hinted at a deep, longstanding bond. Looking deeper revealed that fans had also found a birthday post when Siddhant wished Rukmini a year filled with “smiles, snax & sillies (me).”
"Are they dating or just best friends?" has become the top-trending question on Reddit’s r/ChitraLoka and X (previously Twitter).
Who is Siddhant Nag?
Siddhant Nag is a professional photographer and podcast host based in Bengaluru, also Rukmini’s hometown. Unverified reports say the two have been in each other's lives for almost eight years, even as early as their early days in the business. Although the intimacy within their photos indicates a sort of romantic relationship, Rukmini has previously called it “the worst photo of me” in a playful remark and followed it with “I love you,” so now fans are split if the “love” is platonic or romantic.
Concentrate on "Toxic" and "Dragon"
Rukmini, meanwhile, has kept her lid on everything but her 2026 lineup, which has been filled with personal life buzz.
Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups: Rukmini plays "Mellisa" with Yash, Nayanthara, and Kiara Advani. The film is set to release March 19, 2026.
- Dragon: She’s now in the cast of Jr NTR’s next big project, directed by Prashanth Neel.
- Kantara: Chapter 1: She delivers a convincing performance as Princess Kanakavathi, and her film has generated international buzz.
Rukmini and Siddhant do not officially have their status confirmed to date, leaving the “mystery man” legend alive as she transitions into a pan-Indian megastar.
