During a special interview with the media today, the rising starlet Sreeleela shared several intriguing insights with Gulte.com’s Lokesh Bandi. Her infectious smile, boundless enthusiasm, and down-to-earth nature revealed a lot. Here’s what she had to say.
Why did you choose the role in the movie “Bhagawant Kesari”?
For many people, Sreeleela is known for her dancing, but I also want to prove myself as an actress. I may get offers for glamorous roles, but this role allows me to showcase my acting skills. Such opportunities don’t come often, so I’m grateful and happy, even though some people initially advised me against taking such roles.
Can you tell us about your first meeting with Balakrishna Garu?
I had heard many stories about Balakrishna Garu before meeting him, which made me nervous. However, as soon as I met him, my opinion changed. He’s a very sweet person. Balakrishna Garu has a wealth of knowledge outside of films, and when he talks about subjects like medicine, it amazes me that he has such incredible knowledge even without studying MBBS. I never saw him as an actor because I was so engrossed in my two characters, Vijji Papa and Bhagawant Kesari.
What can you tell us about the roles in Anil Ravipudi’s films?
Anil Ravipudi’s films usually have lively roles for heroines, but this film is different. It doesn’t have the typical colorful looks and style of his previous works. The character of Vijji Papa in this film is unique and will leave a strong impact on everyone.
Can you share anything about your character’s journey in the film?
I can’t reveal the end of the film, such as whether my character joins the army, because that would spoil the movie for you. I want you to watch it and find out.
How did you manage to master the Telangana dialect for this role?
As Telugu-speaking people, we can easily adapt to different dialects. I can speak with Andhra folks in their slang and also switch to the Hyderabadi dialect. I’ve done my best with the Telangana accent, so let’s see how you accept it.
Most challenging scene for you in “Bhagawant Kesari”?
Action sequences were new to me, but I gave my best as an artist and a woman. The dialogue, “Aada pilla lady pilla lekka gaadu, puli pilla lekka vundali,” from the film became deeply etched in my memory after shooting it.
Do you have a Balakrishna like Chichha (a mentor) in real life?
My real-life mentor is my mother. She always guides me and cares for me just like Balakrishna’s character thinks about Vijji Papa all the time. She means everything to me!
Who provides feedback on your work?
I don’t have close friends to give me feedback. I consider the media people as my friends, and I take their feedback seriously.
How are you performing in your medical studies?
I’m doing well in my MBBS exams, and it’s because of my good grades that my college allows me to take exams despite having lower attendance. I manage my studies during breaks between shoots and spend about 20 hours in the hospital each week, including practical work.
Did you play doctor on the Bhagawant Kesari set?
I used to play the role of a doctor even on the Bhagawant Kesari film set. Director Anil Ravipudi would complain about various things, and I would check his pulse, blood pressure, and more. I even had a medical kit ready for Balakrishna Garu as he takes up action sequences with full energy. So, you could say I’m both an actor and a doctor on set! (laughs)
You’ve got a release each month; how excited you are about it?
I’m running from pillar to post each day, for dubbing, song shoots and else. “Ma Kashtaalu Meekem Telsu”; Currently I’m enjoying working hard at this time, and maybe after 4-5 releases, I could say how I’m really feeling about all this phenomenon.
On comparison with Sridevi!
Except for the word ‘Sri’ in my name, there is no comparison you could really do. She’s a legend and I’ve to do much more.
Kajal Aggarwal spoke highly of you and predicted a bright future for you. How do you feel about that?
Kajal is a wonderful person and very talented. When there’s another leading lady in a film, we sometimes get nervous. I even asked her not to mind if I needed retakes. She generously shared her knowledge with me, just like reading from a book. The scenes between Balayya and Kajal will be amazing, and I peeked into their work secretly in the dubbing room.
What kind of roles do you see yourself taking on in the future, performance-oriented or glamorous?
‘I’ve not hired a house here that I’ve to stay only there. I can go anywhere and pick up any role na! We can do both kinds of roles, a mix of both maybe. My acting skills were honed through Bharatanatyam, which I practised for years. On stage, I used to perform dual roles, which helped me with expressive acting. Now, I’m learning to do subtle acting and working on silent expressions with some directors.
Someone posted for you on Twitter, the differences and similarities between Pawan Kalyan and Mahesh Babu as you’re working with them both.
That I would say while promoting Guntur Kaaram and Ustaad Bhagat (and laughs).
Saying these, Sreeleela wrapped up her interview with us.
