Sreeleela, a rising star in South Indian cinema, has captured headlines not just for her acting prowess but also for her unique personal journey. At the young age of 24, she has become a mother to three adopted children, drawing parallels to Bollywood icon Sushmita Sen, who also adopted her first daughter, Renee, at the age of 24, while sreeleela's decision to embrace motherhood at such a tender age is commendable, but her recent revelations about why her children don't live with her have sparked widespread interest and discussion.
Sreeleela's Unique Journey into Motherhood
In a candid interview with Galatta Plus, Sreeleela spoke openly about her adopted children and her perspective on motherhood. She shared the complexities of managing a demanding film career alongside her responsibilities as a mother. This balancing act, she admitted, often leaves her struggling for words and feeling overwhelmed. The actress confessed to experiencing nervousness when discussing this deeply personal aspect of her life, highlighting the emotional weight it carries. Despite the challenges, Sreeleela assured that comprehensive arrangements have been made for her children's care, ensuring their well-being is always prioritized.
The Feeling of Not Being a 'Complete Mother'
During the interview, Sreeleela made a poignant statement, expressing that she doesn't consider herself a 'complete mother. ' This sentiment might seem surprising to many, but Sreeleela elaborated on the personal story and emotions behind it. She suggested that her definition of motherhood might diverge from traditional perceptions, and her unique circumstances lead her to experience motherhood in a distinct way. This feeling is intrinsically linked to the fact that her children don't live with her, creating an internal conflict. She affirmed her profound love and responsibility towards her children, yet certain. Situations prevent her from feeling like a 'complete mother' in the conventional sense.
The Path to Adopting Three Children
Sreeleela's inspiring journey into adoption began during the filming of her debut Kannada movie, 'Kiss' (2019). She recounted how the film's director took her to an ashram, an experience that proved to be life-changing. Witnessing the children in the ashram sparked a profound transformation within her, prompting her to consider adoption. Subsequently, in 2022, when Sreeleela herself was just 21 years old,. She adopted two specially-abled children, Guru and Shobhita, from the same ashram. This marked a significant turning point in her life, introducing her to a new dimension of motherhood. Last year, she further expanded her family by adopting a third child, making her a mother of three.
Why the Children Don't Live with Her
Sreeleela clarified that her three children currently don't live with her; instead, they reside in the ashram. She explained that her demanding film career, which involves continuous shooting schedules and travel, makes it practically impossible to have the children live with her full-time, while however, she ensures that her children receive excellent care and lack nothing. Sreeleela frequently communicates with her children over the phone and visits them at the ashram whenever her schedule permits, while this arrangement, while a difficult decision, is one she believes is in the best interest of her children, providing them with a stable and secure environment.
From Secrecy to Public Inspiration
Initially, the actress wished to keep her adoptions private, viewing it. As a personal matter and not seeking any limelight or credit. However, the institution from which she adopted the children requested her to make her story public, while the organization believed that Sreeleela's journey could inspire others to consider adoption and contribute to the welfare of children in need. On this, Sreeleela stated that her sole desire is for people to start thinking about these issues and for awareness about child care to grow in society. She isn't interested in personal accolades but aims only to motivate others through her actions.
Sreeleela's Multifaceted Persona
Beyond her success as an actress, Sreeleela possesses a multifaceted personality enriched with diverse talents, while she's a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, showcasing her artistic flair and discipline. Also, she completed her MBBS degree in 2021, highlighting her intelligence and dedication to education. This versatile persona makes her one of the most talked-about and influential figures in South Indian cinema. On the professional front, Sreeleela garnered attention in 2025 for her special song 'Kissik' in 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. She's now set to make her Tamil debut in the film 'Parashakti', starring Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role. This film is slated for a Pongal release, and audiences eagerly await her performance in this new venture. Sreeleela's life serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how a young woman can navigate a successful career, pursue education, and embrace the responsibilities of motherhood, even if it entails making challenging personal choices.
