In a heartfelt revelation, popular Kannada film actress Sreeleela has shared that she is a mother to three adopted children, a fact she kept private for a significant period. The 24-year-old star, known for balancing a bustling film career with a completed medical degree, discussed her deeply personal adoption journey and the strong maternal instincts that guided her decisions.
A Private Journey of Motherhood
Sreeleela began her adoption process at the remarkably young age of 21, welcoming two differently-abled children into her life. Recently, she expanded her family by adopting a third child. In a candid conversation with Galatta Plus, the actress clarified the nature of her motherhood, emphasizing that while the title "mother" carries immense weight, her situation is unique. "I am not a 'mother-mother'. But the maternal instinct is very strong. I think, as a woman, it starts from a very young age," Sreeleela explained.
She revealed that the children do not live with her due to their specific needs and her demanding filming schedule across multiple locations. "Unfortunately, I can’t have them stay with me. It’s a completely separate part of my life, and I keep that private," she stated. The actress assured that the children are well-cared for by a dedicated team, and she maintains regular contact through phone calls and visits.
The Spark That Ignited a Mission
The seed for adoption was planted early in her career during the filming of a Kannada movie focused on children. Her director took her to an ashram, an experience that profoundly moved her and set her on this path. For a long time, she chose to keep this chapter of her life a secret. "This was a secret for the longest time," Sreeleela recalled, noting that the institution later encouraged her to speak publicly to inspire others.
Her primary message is one of humility and shifting perspectives. "The only message I want to give is that I don’t want credit for anything. I want people to start looking in a different direction," she asserted, downplaying any special praise for her actions.
Extending Empathy Beyond Family
Aligning with her compassionate nature, Sreeleela has also launched a social initiative named 'Here For You!'. This project focuses on outreach to children, the development of rural areas, and promoting education. She encourages her peers and the youth to contribute time, however little, to create tangible change and personal fulfillment.
Reflecting on her dual identity as a doctor and an actress, she shared, "I think both professions are close to people—one makes them happy, the other heals them." This empathy forms the core of both her personal and philanthropic endeavors.
Following in the Footsteps of Trailblazers
Sreeleela joins a lineage of Indian actresses who embraced motherhood through adoption at a young age. Exactly 25 years ago, former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen adopted her first daughter, Renee, at 24, after beginning the legal process at 21. Sen has spoken about the emotional challenges, fearing the court might not rule in her favor after her daughter had started calling her 'Ma'.
Similarly, actress Raveena Tandon adopted two girls, Chhaya and Pooja, in 1994 when she was just 21, prior to the release of her hit film 'Mohra'. She famously stated that she came as a "package deal" with her children and dogs, a stance fully accepted by her husband Anil Thadani and his family.
Sreeleela's story adds a new, inspiring chapter to this narrative, highlighting a modern, compassionate approach to family and social responsibility by a young public figure in India.
