Sreeleela on how Pushpa: The Rise became a career-defining moment in her acting journey

Actress Sreeleela recently opened up about the life-changing impact of Pushpa: The Rise, calling it a defining moment in her journey as an artiste. Known for her high-energy special song Kissik, Sreeleela says the film reshaped not just her career trajectory, but also her confidence and understanding of Indian cinema’s global reach.

Directed by Sukumar, the Telugu blockbuster starred Allu Arjun in his now-iconic role as Pushpa Raj, alongside Rashmika Mandanna. What began as a rooted, earthy action drama soon turned into a cultural phenomenon, breaking language barriers and finding massive audiences across India and overseas.

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Representing Indian Cinema on a Global Stage

In a recent interview, Sreeleela reflected on what it meant to be part of a film of such scale. She shared that Pushpa represented Indian cinema on the global market in a way few films had before. For her, being associated with a project that travelled so far beyond its original language was deeply special and humbling.

She credited the audiences for the overwhelming response, noting that the film’s honest emotions and powerful storytelling were key to its worldwide success.

The Power of a Single Song

Though her Kissik song had limited screen time, it went on to become one of the film’s most talked-about moments. The song introduced Sreeleela to viewers beyond the South, earning her nationwide recognition almost overnight and reinforcing cinema’s ability to connect across regions.

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Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Begins

Since Pushpa, Sreeleela’s career has seen a sharp rise. Known for her expressive performances and confident dancing, she has emerged as one of the most promising young actors today. Now, she is preparing for her Bollywood debut in an upcoming directorial venture by Anurag Basu, marking a major new chapter shaped by the doors Pushpa 2 opened.

For Sreeleela, Pushpa: The Rise wasn’t just a film — it was the moment that changed everything.