Nearly a year has passed since Sriya Reddy garnered significant attention for her portrayal of Radha Rama Mannar in Prasanth Neel’s Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire. One might anticipate that she would have taken on numerous projects and be inundated with work since then. However, Sriya confides to Hindustan Times that she has become increasingly selective in her choice of roles.

“It has been a fascinating year when I reflect on it,” Sriya notes, adding, “I portrayed a powerful figure in the Khansaar palace (Salaar), took on the role of a politician (Thalaimai Seyalagam), and filmed what is expected to be one of the largest productions in the Telugu film industry (OG). This year has been a period of introspection that has transformed me in many ways.”

‘I have beautiful scenes with Pawan Kalyan in OG’

Sriya has stated that she is currently focused solely on her role in "OG" and is not engaged in any other projects at this time, even dedicating herself to learning kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art from Kerala, for this part. Although there are several other projects in development, they have not yet been officially announced. She describes her character in "OG" as exceptionally intriguing, noting that it is entirely distinct from her role in "Salaar." She emphasizes, "It is so different that you might even question whether it is the same actor."

Sriya commends director Sujeeth for crafting such an engaging character for her, referring to him as a "brilliant and young talent." She expresses her belief that he possesses a keen understanding of audience expectations and is capable of delivering on them. She considers this role to be among the finest she has undertaken in her career, although she refrains from labelling it her best thus far.

When asked about her experience working with the film's lead, Pawan Kalyan, who also serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sriya shares, "I filmed several scenes with Pawan. What truly drew me to him was his intelligence, politeness, and dignity. He has a captivating presence. How he carries himself and communicates is quite fascinating. We share some beautiful scenes in the film, and I eagerly anticipate the audience's reaction."

‘I want to step it up for Salaar 2’

Reflecting on her journey, Sriya recalls the moment when Prashanth Neel initially approached her to portray Radha, emphasizing that she would embody the "most dominating person" within the Khansaar palace. “He inquired if I was interested in surpassing the men, to which I responded, why not? After years in the industry, it is common for people to confine you to specific roles, but this film demonstrates that well-crafted characters hold significance regardless of their screen time. It is commendable for a man to conceive such a role for a woman,” she remarks regarding her character.

Following the film's success and the positive feedback she has received for her performance, Sriya acknowledges that she is aware of "what she needs to do" for the sequel, Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga Parvam. “I want Radha to emerge with full force in the sequel. There are aspects I have been discussing with Prashanth: what modifications to implement and how to enhance her character…I aim to elevate her presence,” she elaborates.

‘I was oddly offered glamorous roles after Salaar’

In discussing the impact of "Salaar," one might question whether it has opened new opportunities for her or confined her to roles as a 'strong' woman. Sriya responds, “To be honest, I haven’t encountered any projects that have truly impressed me since 'Salaar.' While I have received numerous offers, I am reluctant to repeat myself. Interestingly, I have also been approached for several glamorous roles following the release of 'Salaar'—you know, those alluring types of characters? I am uncertain whether to view this as a compliment. However, I am resolute about my aspirations.”

When I inquire about her specific goals, she states, “I have never accepted a role merely for the sake of it, nor will I ever, regardless of the stature of the actor or if it is a Hindi film. I believe we are in a time when women can truly shine. It is not every day that a film led by Prabhas features a woman in the role of the antagonist. Radha is not only ruthless; she is also beautiful and alluring, which is quite rare. Nevertheless, I wish to explore a variety of roles to avoid being typecast. I do not want to engage in projects solely for monetary gain or fame.”

Sriya, who began her career as a VJ on SS Music and made her film debut in 2002 with "Samurai," harbours significant ambitions, including the desire to become a producer. “I believe that as an actor if you wish to convey a story, you must also be involved in the journey at some point. Therefore, I aspire to start producing quality films in the future. It took me 15 years to find a project like 'Salaar,' and I do not wish to wait another 15 years for a similar opportunity,” she concludes.cer. “I believe that as an actor if you want to tell a story, you must also be a part of the journey at some point. So I want to begin producing good films too sometime in the future. It took me 15 years to find a film like Salaar, and I don’t want to wait 15 more years for something like that,” she rounds off.

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