Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Actress Rashmika Mandanna made a style statement with her comeback on the stage of Anime Awards 2026 held in Tokyo, Japan. The popular south Indian star was seen walking the orange carpet and later sharing the stage with Winston Duke to present the much-awaited award of Best Animation of the Year. Her appearance soon became one of the biggest highlights of the evening, grabbing the attention of the fans and international media across the globe. Rashmika, who has been very vocal about her love for anime over the years, was welcomed with warmth at the event. Her growing connection with anime culture has helped her build a strong fan following not only in India but also across Japan and Southeast Asia.
Rashmika is known to be a fan of popular anime shows like Naruto and Demon Slayer which makes her relatable to fans of the genre. For the special occasion, Rashmika went for a stunning black sequined gown by Prabal Gurung. The strapless gown was detailed with flower embroidery that added a pop of colour to the sparkly dress. She styled her hair in loose waves and accessorised with a gemstone necklace giving her an elegant yet modern look. Fans on social media praised her fashion choice, with many calling her one of the best-dressed celebrities of the night.
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Rashmika’s on-stage moment with Winston Duke brought energy and charm to the ceremony. The banter between the two while announcing the winner made their segment one of the most memorable parts of the event. Rashmika also commented how anime and Indian cinema are both very connected to their audience via strong stories and emotion. The event also brought into focus the growing cultural connection between India and Japan. With stars like Rashmika attending international anime celebrations, anime continues to gain popularity among Indian audiences.
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This year’s Anime Awards featured celebrities from different parts of the world, while winners were selected through fan votes from more than 200 countries. On the work front, Rashmika is preparing for the release of Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adajania. The film also stars Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon and is scheduled to release on June 19. She will also appear in Ranabaali alongside Vijay Deverakonda, as well as the action film Mysaa.
