Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Jul 19: Actor Dheekshith Shetty has captured hearts not just with his striking dance performance in Nadhive, the first single from the upcoming film The Girlfriend, but also with an emotional tribute to his team — especially lead actress Rashmika Mandanna.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Dheekshith shared behind-the-scenes photos and a video clip from the song’s shoot, expressing deep gratitude for the experience. “Didn’t know where to begin… First time dancing on such a massive setup made specially for this song and it brought back so many memories. A short rollercoaster ride… but one hell of a powerful one!” he wrote.

The actor thanked director Rahul Ravindran for his visionary approach: “Big thanks to my director @rahulr_23 sir for always thinking out of the box, trusting us, and creating this experience.”

He extended his appreciation to the film’s producers Vidyakoppineedi, Dheeraj Mogilineni, and the banner Geetha Arts, calling them “forever supportive.”

Dancing to Nadhive wasn’t easy, Dheekshith admitted, especially since the choreography leaned heavily into contemporary dance. “Contemporary was always a tough nut to crack for me… but @vishwakiran_nambi sir and team @shrijanirao @thejas_gowda_19 — you made it feel like a dream. Thank you for pushing us beyond our limits.”

One of the most moving parts of his post was his heartfelt message to co-star Rashmika Mandanna, who performed daring aerial stunts for the song. “Thanks for trusting me with your life… literally, hanging in the air with no floor under you! Not easy, but you did it with such grace. You’re a STAR for a reason and an absolute inspiration!”

He also acknowledged physio Gayathri Shetty, who helped the team recover from the intense physical demands of the shoot.

Concluding his message, Dheekshith celebrated the song’s overwhelming success: “Nadhive has already crossed 10M+ views! You guys truly made it your own. Grateful for all the love you’ve showered on us.”

The Girlfriend, directed and written by Rahul Ravindran, features music by Hesham Abdul Wahab and cinematography by Krishnan Vasant. The film is generating buzz for its compelling visuals, high-energy music, and the chemistry between its lead actors.