Sreeleela on Pushpa’s global impact: ‘It changed everything for me as an artiste’

Sreeleela on Pushpa’s global impact: ‘It changed everything for me as an artiste’

• Pushpa: The Rise boosted Sreeleela's career and confidence in Indian cinema
• Her song "Kissik" gained nationwide popularity and introduced her to wider audiences.
• Sreeleela now prepares for her Bollywood debut after Pushpa's global success

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Actress Sreeleela has spoken about the life-changing impact of Pushpa: The Rise, the Telugu blockbuster that went on to become a global cultural phenomenon. Known for her energetic special song Kissik, the actress says the film reshaped her career, her confidence, and the way she now sees Indian cinema on the world stage.

Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa: The Rise starred Allu Arjun in his now-iconic Pushpa Raj avatar, alongside Rashmika Mandanna. What began as a rooted, earthy Telugu action drama soon exploded beyond expectations, cutting across language barriers and finding passionate audiences across India and overseas.

In a recent interview, Sreeleela reflected on how being part of such a film altered everything for her as an artiste. “Pushpa changed so much for me, and I am so grateful to all of them, the audiences,” she said. “It represented Indian cinema in the global market, to be honest. It was that huge. And to be a part of such a film, it was such a special feeling.”

The Kissik song, though brief in screen time, became a major moment in the film’s cultural afterlife. Its popularity introduced Sreeleela to audiences well beyond the South, helping her gain nationwide recognition almost overnight. For the actress, the response reinforced the power of cinema to travel far when the emotion is honest and the storytelling strong.

Since Pushpa, Sreeleela’s career graph has seen a sharp upward turn. Known for her expressive screen presence, confident dancing, and grounded performances, she has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about young actors in the industry. More importantly, she says the success gave her belief in choosing films that feel meaningful rather than merely safe.

Now, riding high on this momentum, Sreeleela is preparing for a major milestone: her Bollywood debut in an upcoming directorial venture by Anurag Basu. The project marks a new chapter in her journey, one shaped by the global impact of Pushpa and the doors it opened.

For Sreeleela, Pushpa: The Rise was not just a film. It was a turning point that changed everything.