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Sreeleela

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Sreeleela
Close-up left profile of Sreeleela wearing a white blouse and beige vest, looking directly at the camera with lips slightly parted.
Sreeleela in 2026
Born (2001-06-14) 14 June 2001 (age 25)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
CitizenshipUnited States
EducationMBBS
Alma materD. Y. Patil School of Medicine, Navi Mumbai
OccupationActress  · doctor
Years active2017–present
Children3 (adopted)

Sreeleela[a] (born June 14, 2001) is an American actress of Indian origin[3][4] who primarily works in Telugu cinema. She began her career as a child artist before making her lead debut in the 2019 Kannada film Kiss. Sreeleela expanded into Telugu cinema with Pelli SandaD (2021), subsequently gaining wider commercial recognition with starring roles in Dhamaka (2022), Bhagavanth Kesari (2023), and Guntur Kaaram (2024). She is the recipient of three South Indian International Movie Awards. Outside of her acting career, she is a qualified medical doctor.

Early life and education

Sreeleela was born on June 14, 2001, into a Telugu family in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.,[5] and was raised in Bengaluru, India.[6][7] Her maternal grandparents are from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, a city she frequently visited during her childhood.[8] Her mother, Swarnalatha, is a gynaecologist based in Bengaluru.[9] Swarnalatha was previously married to industrialist Surapaneni Subhakara Rao, but the couple separated prior to Sreeleela's birth. Following her film debut, Rao publicly stated that Sreeleela was not his biological daughter, noting the timeline of their separation. Swarnalatha has not publicly commented on the identity of Sreeleela's father.[10][11]

Sreeleela began training in Bharatanatyam dance during her childhood. Alongside her early acting roles, she pursued medical education and graduated with a MBBS degree from the D. Y. Patil School of Medicine in Navi Mumbai in 2026, qualifying as a medical doctor.[12][13][14]

Career

Early work (2017–2020)

Sreeleela made her acting debut in the 2017 Telugu film Chitrangada, portraying the younger version of Sindhu Tolani's character.[15] Director A. P. Arjun discovered her photographs on social media—captured by cinematographer Bhuvan Gowda—and subsequently cast her in the lead role for his 2019 film, Kiss. Sreeleela stated that she chose to launch her career in Kannada-language films because she was raised in Bengaluru, despite having existing professional contacts within the Telugu industry.[16]

Filming for Kiss commenced in 2017 while she was in the first year of her pre-university course.[17] The film released in 2019 and performed well at the box office.[18] A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express noted that she made a confident debut, writing that she "looks stylish and garners equal attention."[19] The Times of India critic Vinay Lokesh similarly stated that she shined in her role.[20] A month later, her second film, Bharaate, opposite Sriimurali, was released.[21] Reviewing her performance for The News Minute, Aravind Shwetha wrote: "Sree is good and holds her own along with Sri Murali when it comes to acting and screen presence."[22]

Breakthrough and career expansions (2021–present)

Sreeleela in 2022

In 2021, Sreeleela starred in the romantic musical film Pelli SandaD, marking her debut in Telugu cinema.[23] Although the film received generally negative reviews, her performance received critical appreciation.[24] Y. Sunita Chowdhary of The Hindu called the film a "costly showreel" for the lead pair, opining that Sreeleela and co-star Roshan Meka appeared fresh but lacked romantic chemistry.[25]

In 2022, she starred in the Kannada romantic comedy By Two Love, with critics noting her strong screen presence.[26] A review from Deccan Herald remarked that while she was impressive, her Kannada diction had room for improvement.[27] She later made a special appearance in the musical number "Trademark" from the action drama James.[28] Following the commercial visibility of her early roles, she transitioned fully into larger Telugu productions, starring alongside Ravi Teja in the action comedy Dhamaka (2022), which achieved significant commercial success at the box office.[29]

In 2023, Sreeleela experienced fluctuating critical and commercial reception. She starred alongside Ram Pothineni in the action film Skanda, which underperformed commercially.[30] However, her subsequent project, Bhagavanth Kesari, directed by Anil Ravipudi and co-starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of 2023. Her performance as a resilient young woman earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu.[31] Later that year, she appeared in the action comedy Aadikeshava and the romantic comedy Extra Ordinary Man, both of which encountered low box office returns.[32][33]

In 2024, Sreeleela starred opposite Mahesh Babu in the action drama Guntur Kaaram. Neeshita Nyayapati of Hindustan Times observed that while "Sreeleela dances like a dream, her character could have had some bearing on the story."[34] Despite the film's polarizing reception, her choreography in the song "Kurchi Madathapetti" achieved significant digital popularity.[35] Her profile as a dancer led to a featured appearance in the musical number "Kissik" alongside Allu Arjun in Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024).[36]

In 2025, Sreeleela reunited with Nithiin in the action comedy Robinhood, which opened to low commercial returns.[citation needed] Srivathsan Nadadhur of The Hindu remarked that her role was limited to "a fashion parade."[37] She followed this with the bilingual film Junior, where her performance was described by critics as energetic during dance sequences but emotionally detached from the central plot.[38]

Media image and artistry

Sreeleela has established herself as one of the leading and highest-paid actresses in Telugu cinema.[39] Media reports frequently highlight her energetic screen presence and exceptional dancing abilities, which have become major commercial draws for her films. Her choreography in musical numbers such as "Kurchi Madathapetti" from Guntur Kaaram and "Kissik" from Pushpa 2: The Rule became viral sensations, significantly elevating her pan-Indian popularity.[40]

The actress is uniquely noted by the press for her discipline in balancing a demanding, A-list acting career with rigorous medical training, ultimately graduating as a qualified medical doctor in 2026.[12] In addition to her acting work, Sreeleela is a prominent celebrity endorser. She serves as the brand ambassador for several national brands, including Santoor Shower Gels and Birla Opus Paints.[41][42]

Personal life

In February 2022, Sreeleela adopted two children with disabilities.[43] In April 2025, she adopted a third child.[44] In an interview, she clarified that the children do not reside directly with her due to her extensive filming schedules, but she fully funds their healthcare, education, and living expenses within their residential facility.[45]

Filmography

Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
List of film credits, showing year, title, role, language, and notes
Year Title Role Language Notes Ref.
2017 Chitrangada Young Shalini Devi Telugu Child artist [15]
2019 Kiss Nandini Kannada [46]
Bharaate Radha [22]
2021 Pelli SandaD Kondaveeti Sahasra Telugu [25]
2022 Dhamaka Pranavi Reddy [47]
By Two Love Leela Kannada [48]
James Herself Special appearance in the song "Trademark" [49]
2023 Skanda Sreeleela Reddy Telugu [50]
Bhagavanth Kesari Vijayalakshmi [51]
Aadikeshava Chitra [52]
Extra Ordinary Man Likitha [53]
2024 Guntur Kaaram Amukta [54]
Pushpa 2: The Rule Dancer Special appearance in the song "Kissik" [55]
2025 Robinhood Neera Vasudev [56]
Junior Spoorthy Telugu
Kannada		 Bilingual film [57]
Mass Jathara Tulasi Telugu [58]
2026 Parasakthi Ratnamala Tamil [59]
Ustaad Bhagat Singh Leela Telugu [60]
Untitled Anurag Basu film † TBA Hindi Filming [61]
OM Chapter 1: Udhiram-The Blood Wood † TBA Tamil Filming [62]

Awards and nominations

List of accolades received by Sreeleela
Award Year Category Work Result Ref.
South Indian International Movie Awards 2021 Best Female Debut – Kannada Kiss Won [63]
2022 Most Promising Newcomer – Female Pelli SandaD Won [64]
2023 Best Actress – Telugu Dhamaka Won [65]
2024 Bhagavanth Kesari Nominated [66]
Filmfare Awards South 2024 Best Supporting Actress – Telugu Nominated [31]
IIFA Utsavam 2024 Best Actress – Telugu Nominated [67]
Chittara Star Awards 2025 South Icon – Female N/a Nominated [68]

References

  1. ↑ "'RRR' director SS. Rajamouli launches Gali Janardhan Reddy's son's film". The Times of India. March 4, 2022. Archived from the original on July 3, 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Sree Leela is not my daughter, says this telugu business man". ZEE5. October 18, 2021. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  3. ↑ Wadhwa, Aman. "Meet 'Kurchi Madathapetti' girl Sreeleela from Guntur Kaaram". DNA India. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Did Sreeleela increase her fees after her dance number in Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2? Here's what we know". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Sreeleela". manoramaonline.com. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  6. ↑ Adivi, Sashidhar (February 14, 2022). "Ravi Teja is full of energy: Sreeleela". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  7. ↑ "Industrialist Clarifies PelliSandaD Heroine Sree Leela Is Not His Daughter". Sakshi Post. October 17, 2021. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Sreeleela: "నేనూ ఒంగోలియనే..." ఒంగోలులో సందడి చేసిన హీరోయిన్ శ్రీలీల" [Sreeleela: "I am also from Ongole..." Heroine Srileela created a stir in Ongole]. News18 (in Telugu). October 29, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Mum's the word". The New Indian Express. June 10, 2020. Archived from the original on January 30, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  10. ↑ "What happened between Sreeleela and her father? The truth behind the buzz". Indulge Express. September 21, 2025. Archived from the original on October 15, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Pelli SandaD heroine Sree Leela is not my daughter: Subhakara Rao Suprapaneni states in a press meet". The Times of India. October 17, 2021. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  12. 1 2 "Actress Sreeleela passes MBBS and becomes a qualified doctor. Which medical college was she studying at?". The Economic Times. February 12, 2026. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Sreeleela graduates with medical degree after 6 years of juggling acting with studies, fans impressed by her discipline". hindustantimes.com. February 11, 2026. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
  14. ↑ "'Dr Sreeleela' is official: Actress wins hearts as she graduates medical school while starring in blockbusters". indianexpress.com. February 11, 2026. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
  15. 1 2 Mounika (June 14, 2023). "శ్రీలీల చైల్డ్ ఆర్టిస్ట్ గా నటించిన చిత్రం ఏదో తెలుసా..?". Manam News. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  16. ↑ "Bhuvan Gowda's pictures of me landed me in Kannada films: Actress Sree Leela". The Times of India. November 14, 2018. Archived from the original on October 7, 2023.
  17. ↑ "KISS debutante determined to be a doctor". Cinema Express. October 15, 2017. Archived from the original on April 16, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Kiss Movie: Viraat, Sree Leela-starrer Kiss crosses 100th day milestone". Bangalore Mirror. February 18, 2020. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  19. ↑ Sharadhaa (September 20, 2020). "A youthful but unduly stretched affair". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
  20. ↑ Vinay Lokesh (September 27, 2019). "Kiss movie review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  21. ↑ "Interview | Expect no shades of 'KISS' in 'Bharaate', says actress Sreeleela". The New Indian Express. October 14, 2019. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  22. 1 2 "'Bharaate' review: Sri Murali film is all mass with too many subplots". The News Minute. October 18, 2019. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Not much difference between Sandalwood and Tollywood: Sreeleela". The New Indian Express. May 8, 2021. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  24. ↑ "Does Sreeleela demand Rs 1 crore for a film?". The Times of India. February 3, 2022. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  25. 1 2 Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (October 16, 2021). "'Pelli SandaD' movie review: Done and dusted old school romance". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  26. ↑ "By Two Love is all about relationship management". The New Indian Express. February 19, 2022. Archived from the original on February 21, 2022.
  27. ↑ "'By Two Love' review: An epic misfire". Deccan Herald. February 18, 2022. Archived from the original on February 24, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  28. ↑ "'James': Rachita Ram, Sreeleela, and others shine in the Trademark single from the Puneeth Rajkumar starrer". The Times of India. March 2022. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  29. ↑ "OTT: ఈ వారం ఓటీటీలో బ్లాక్ బస్టర్ సినిమాలు.. వీకెండ్ ఎంజాయ్మెంట్ వేరే లెవల్!". Samayam Telugu (in Telugu). Archived from the original on June 7, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Skanda: The expected OTT release date of the Ram Pothineni starrer is here". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  31. 1 2 "Nominations for Filmfare Awards Telugu 2024 are out!". Filmfare. Archived from the original on July 20, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  32. ↑ "Aadikeshava OTT release date-When and where to watch the Vaisshnav Tej, Sreeleela starrer". OTTPlay. November 28, 2023. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Extra Ordinary Man OTT release date – Here's when the Nithin-Sreeleela starrer will stream online". ottplay.com. January 13, 2024. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  34. ↑ "Guntur Kaaram review: Mahesh Babu is the saving grace of this bland film with nothing new to offer". Hindustan Times. January 12, 2024. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  35. ↑ ANI (December 30, 2023). "'Guntur Kaaram': Mahesh Babu, Sree Leela bring electrifying moves in song 'Kurchi Madatha Petti'". ThePrint. Archived from the original on February 11, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  36. ↑ "'Dancing Queen' Sreeleela Sets the Stage on Fire with 'Kissik' Song from 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'". Zee News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  37. ↑ Nadadhur, Srivathsan (March 28, 2025). "'Robinhood' movie review: Nithiin, Sreeleela's action-comedy is a misfire". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on March 30, 2025. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  38. ↑ Prakash, B. V. S. (July 18, 2025). "Junior Movie Review: A Tedious Star Launch with No Spark". deccanchronicle.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Sreeleela's remuneration for 'Junior': Find out how much the 'Kissik' star bagged for the Kireeti Reddy starrer -- Reports". The Times of India. July 14, 2025. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
  40. ↑ "'Dancing Queen' Sreeleela Sets the Stage on Fire with 'Kissik' Song from 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'". Zee News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  41. ↑ "Birla Opus Paints names Sreeleela as brand ambassador". afaqs!. May 26, 2026. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
  42. ↑ "Santoor Shower Gels signs Sreeleela as brand ambassador, launches 'Sandalwood Ka Remix' TVC campaign". The Economic Times. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
  43. ↑ "Sreeleela adopts two differently-abled kids". The Times of India. February 12, 2022. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022.
  44. ↑ Shek, Basha (April 28, 2025). "Sreeleela: 'మా ఇంటికి మరో చిట్టితల్లి వచ్చింది'.. మూడో పాపను దత్తత తీసుకున్న శ్రీలీల! పోస్ట్ వైరల్" [Sreeleela: 'Another little girl has come to our house'.. Sreeleela adopts third child! Post goes viral]. TV9 Telugu (in Telugu). Archived from the original on May 3, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  45. ↑ "Sreeleela accepts she is a mother of three adopted kids, but they don't live with her: 'It was my secret for the longest time'". The Indian Express. January 7, 2026. Archived from the original on January 13, 2026. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  46. ↑ "KISS boosts Sreeleela's confidence". Cinema Express. September 24, 2019. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  47. ↑ "Sreeleela all set for Dhamaka with Ravi Teja, reveals best advice he gave her I Exclusive". December 21, 2022. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  48. ↑ Sharadha A. (December 19, 2020). "Dhanveerrah and Sreeleela to star in 'By2Love'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  49. ↑ "Puneeth Rajkumar's 'James': An absolute action adieu". The New Indian Express. March 19, 2022. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  50. ↑ "#BoyapatiRAPO: Sreeleela joins the shoot of Ram Pothineni, Boypati Sreenu's film". The Times of India. January 5, 2023. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Nandamuri Balakrishna, Anil Ravipudi, and Sree Leela's '#NBK108' title launch to take place in 108 locations". The Times of India. June 7, 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  52. ↑ "Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Sreeleela, movie launched the film is scheduled for 2023 Sankranthi release". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  53. ↑ "Extraordinary Man: Nithiin and Sreeleela's film warps up 60% of shooting". The Times of India. August 25, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  54. ↑ "After Dhamaka success, Sreeleela bags Mahesh Babu's SSMB 28 with Trivikram Srinivas | Exclusive". India Today. January 9, 2023. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  55. ↑ "Pushpa 2: The Rule: First look poster of Sreeleela unveiled from 'Kissik' song in Allu Arjun starrer". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  56. ↑ "Robinhood: After postponement from Christmas 2024, Nithiin starrer to clash with THIS film? Check details". PINKVILLA. January 18, 2025. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
  57. ↑ "Cinema Buzz Junior Movie: Kireeti Reddy's Debut Film 'Junior' to Release in July". Deccan Herald. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  58. ↑ "'Mass Jathara' release date: Find out when Ravi Teja and Sreeleela starrer film hits theatres". The Times of India. October 1, 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on October 1, 2025. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  59. ↑ "Sreeleela to make her Tamil debut with Soorarai Pottru fame Sudha Kongara's next directorial". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  60. ↑ "Pawan Kalyan begins shooting for 'Ustad Bhagat Singh' with Sreeleela, makers share first day video". indiatvnews.com. June 11, 2025. Archived from the original on June 11, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
  61. ↑ Mathur, Abhimanyu (February 16, 2025). "The curious case of Aashiqui 3: Why Kartik Aaryan, Sreeleela's new film avoids using the much-publicised title". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on February 16, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  62. ↑ "'Om': Dhanush-Rajkumar Periasamy film gets a title; release date announced". June 18, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  63. ↑ "2019 Kannada WINNERS LIST". SIIMA. Archived from the original on September 26, 2021. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  64. ↑ "SIIMA 2022: Check full list of winners". Deccan Herald. September 19, 2022. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved December 24, 2022.
  65. ↑ "SIIMA Awards 2023". Indian Express. September 16, 2023. Archived from the original on September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  66. ↑ "SIIMA Awards 2024: Dasara, Hi Nanna, Kaatera and Sapta Sagaradaache Ello win big on Day 1". The Indian Express. September 15, 2024. Archived from the original on September 15, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  67. ↑ "IIFA 2024 Utsavam unveils nominations, honouring the diversity of South Indian cinema". Firstpost. August 21, 2024. Archived from the original on December 14, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  68. ↑ "Chittara Star Awards 2025 Nominations". Chittara Star Awards. Archived from the original on March 15, 2025. Retrieved January 21, 2025.

Notes

  1. ↑ Sreeleela is her official name; she does not have a last name. Her name is also sometimes spelled Sree Leela.[1][2]
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