EXCLUSIVE: Gorgeous young star Sreeleela talks love, life, dreams in this exclusive interview with Aakanksha Naval-Shetye, and shares her excitement for an impressive slate of big-ticket projects lined up in 2025, including her highly-anticipated Bollywood debut
She’s young, gorgeous and raring to go! Having won hearts with her dazzling performances, Sreeleela has already cemented her status as one of the most sought-after actresses in the South industry. The stunning young star, is now set to wow the Hindi film industry with her highly-anticipated Bollywood debut opposite Kartik Aaryan that’s all the buzz ever since the teaser dropped!
Undoubtedly the next big thing, she’s on a meteoric rise as besides the Kartik Aaryan starrer, her much-talked-about lineup includes her Tamil debut Parasakhti alongside Sivakarthikeyan as well, and there’s also talks of a film with Ibrahim Ali Khan! Her impressive acting chops and impeccable dance skills are already all the rage down South where she has wowed critics and audience alike and now all eyes are on her much-talked about B-Town debut.
Interestingly, even as Sreeleela preps to take on a new chapter in her film career, the actress is also actively pursuing a medical degree. Her infectious energy and undeniable talent make her a delight on screen and off it and as prepares to carve her niche in Bollywood, we catch up with the actress for an exclusive interview where she talks love, life, dreams, cinema and shares her excitement about her Big Bollywood debut
2025 is looking to be a really exciting year for you. What are you most looking forward to?
2025 has already been quite a ride — it’s not just about to start, it’s happening! I’m excited about exploring new opportunities, learning more about myself, and just living life to the fullest.
“I’m a hopeless romantic! So many love stories play out in my head, in my dreams, and in my imagination. I’m filmy that way, which is why I adore love stories—they let me explore all the layers of romance.”
You have a huge fan following in the South, and your pan-India audience is eagerly waiting for your Bollywood debut. How excited are you about that?
I’ve always loved entertaining people, and now I get to do it on a bigger scale, which is incredibly exciting. Being in Bombay a lot lately, I feel there’s so much more for me to explore about myself and as an artist.
We all know Sreeleela as a star and a loved icon. What is the real Sreeleela like?
I think I’ll keep a little bit of that a mystery! As I learn about myself, so will everyone else — petal by petal. But I’d say I’m someone who values being grounded. I love studying, I enjoy having a task to focus on, and I’m always on the move. Chilling isn’t my forte, though I’m trying to get better at it!
Your mother is a doctor, and you were studying to be one too. How did you switch to acting?
I’ve been balancing both worlds — medicine and acting — and I’m almost done with my studies now. I enjoy this balance so much because one side is this vibrant, creative world, and the other is the calm focus of medicine. It’s the best of both worlds for me.
“I’d say I’m someone who values being grounded. I love studying, I enjoy having a task to focus on, and I’m always on the move. Chilling isn’t my forte, though I’m trying to get better at it!”
What excites you most about a project and makes you say yes to it?
It always starts with the story. If a story impacts me as a person, I know it will connect with the audience too. Beyond that, I love diving into the creative aspects — creating a character’s look, adding unique mannerisms, and bringing something fresh to each role. I’ve made it a point to explore these nuances lately, and I’m loving it.
Would you say yes to a film just because of who your co-star is? Any actor you’ve had a crush on and hope to work with someday?
Honestly, no. I haven’t said yes to a film just because of a co-star, and so far, no major crushes either!
“I love diving into the creative aspects — creating a character’s look, adding unique mannerisms, and bringing something fresh to each role. I’ve made it a point to explore these nuances lately, and I’m loving it.”
Who is your go-to person when times get tough?
The list is way too long! I’m blessed to have so many people I can rely on.
Are you very romantic at heart? What does love mean to you?
Oh, I’m a hopeless romantic! So many love stories play out in my head, in my dreams, and in my imagination. I’m filmy that way, which is why I adore love stories—they let me explore all the layers of romance.
Looking back at your journey, what personal milestones have been special for you?
Every film has been a stepping stone, and many of them have been milestones in their way. I cherish every bit of work I’ve done because it’s brought me to where I am today.
Rapid 7:
Tell us one thing about you that no one knows.
Let’s keep that a secret, shall we?
A superpower you wish you had?
The ability to take away people’s pain.
If you could be anyone from any timeline, who would it be?
I’d have to think long and hard about that one!
If you could get away with one crime, what would it be?
Stealing hearts… wink wink!
Your guilty pleasure?
Binge-eating food!
A habit you wish you could change?
Panicking, Probably just a person existing in a timeline of more human interaction than digital.
Your dream role?
I have so many in mind. It would have to be something deeply impactful and challenging.
COVER CREDITS:
Photographer : @dhruwang9
Hair : @yashdeeps7
Makeup : @monashairandbeauty
Cover Design : @iamitcreates
Sreeleela’s Reputation Management : @spicesocial