South Indian cinema’s beloved stars, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, are set to headline this year’s India Day Parade in New York, slated for August 17.
The star-studded event, organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), is billed as the largest Independence Day celebration outside India, drawing thousands of diaspora participants along the iconic Madison Avenue.
In a ceremonial prelude held at the Indian Consulate in NYC, both actors confirmed their participation through personalised video messages. Sharing their pride and excitement, they greeted fans with “Sarve Bhavanthu Sukhinah” and ended their messages with a heartfelt “Jai Hind.”
While both celebrities have shared the screen in fan-favourite films, this appearance is notable for being their first public outing together in years, fueling ongoing speculation about their off-screen relationship. The duo’s reemergence in the public eye is expected to draw massive media attention during the two-day celebration, which includes festivities on August 15 followed by the grand parade on August 17.
The FIA also paid tribute to victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Ahmedabad plane crash during the launch event, setting a solemn yet resolute tone ahead of India’s 78th Independence Day.
The participation of Deverakonda and Mandanna is expected to energise the Indian-American community, marking a cultural milestone that blends stardom with patriotic spirit.
