HYDERABAD: In her growing up years, Sreeleela would behave like an actress, even throwing starry tantrums. She was promptly nicknamed ‘Drama Queen.’ And her family and friends told her she had all that it took to become an actress. Well, Sreeleela not only became an actress, but she is one of the most sought-after stars in Tollywood today.
She reached the present career status in a short span of time, and has various projects lined up — Boyapati-RaPo, Ustaad Bhagat Singh with Pawan Kalyan, Guntur Kaaram, a film with Vijay Deverakonda and Aadikeshava, opposite Panja Vaisshnav Tej.
“It’s just the beginning of my journey; I have a long way to go. I would say I am still at my first step. Having said that, my first step has been quite gratifying,” smiles Sreeleela, in an exclusive interview with Hyderabad Chronicle.
The actress, known for her bubbly looks and expressive performances, is set to play the female lead in Trivikram’s Guntur Kaaram, which will be superstar Mahesh Babu’s 28th film. “There was no such thing as an audition. We got a call from the production house,” she says, explaining how she got the role.
Each one has their own story and nothing in life comes easy, she feels. “The only choice you have is to work hard. Smart work and hard work go hand in hand,” says the 22-year-old, who adopted two disabled children in February 2022.
Sreeleela, who was born to a Telugu-speaking family in the United States in June 2001, grew up in Bengaluru. Her mother, is a gynaecologist, and Sreeleela herself graduated from medical school in 2021. “But I was interested in dance and art forms, which is probably why I’m here,” says the actress, who loves being in front the camera. “You can wake me up in the middle of the night and point a camera at me and I will pose,” she laughs.
She chose to begin her film career in the Kannada industry. Despite being a debutante, the actress quickly found herself paired with top stars such as Ravi Teja. She made her debut with Kiss in 2019 . Director A.P. Arjun cast her after seeing her pictures on social media. She made her Telugu film debut in 2021 with Pelli SandaD and then starred in Dhamaka in 2022.
Sreeleela believes that every step in her career has been critical to her success. “It’s like building blocks. We need a strong base and I feel both my Kannada and Telugu films have helped me set up one,” says the actress, who began her training in Bharatnatyam as a child. She feels all actors have their share of ups and downs in their careers. “This is one piece of advice I have got — ‘Don’t take success or failure too seriously. Go with the flow and give your 100% and leave the rest to destiny’, she says. Like many actors, does she feel the social media pressure? “It is a pressure only if you want it to be a pressure. It’s a personal choice, because nobody is forcing us to put up something on Instagram. For me, social media is one way to communicate with people,” she says adding that it’s a great platform if used in the right way. “It was difficult initially because I am a very private person but I am enjoying it now,” she shares.
So, when is Bollywood happening? “Picture abhi baaki hai!” is her humorous reply.
