Grandparents often leave an indelible mark on our lives and Sreeleela ’s fondest childhood memories revolve around them. “Ice cream trips with my grandfather and my grandmother’s comforting meals are memories I’ve always cherished. Even now, they are my biggest source of love and strength,” the Guntur Kaaram actress says. On Grandparents Day , she reflects on how her grandparents continue to be her greatest source of love and strength, and how their bond remains an inseparable part of her world. Excerpts from an exclusive conversation with Hyderabad Times .
‘I loved every moment of my shopping trips with Granddad’
Spending time with her grandparents was always a non-negotiable part of Sreeleela’s growing-up years. From celebrating Sankranti to enjoying summer holidays at their home in Ongole, she loved every visit. “I used to live with my parents in Bengaluru, and we would drive down to Ongole to spend the festival days there. It was funny because, even though I lived in a big city, my most important shopping was always done with my granddad in this small town. Some people would laugh and say, ‘You’re coming all the way from Bengaluru to shop in a small town?’ But honestly, I loved every moment of it.” she recalls.
‘Teaching local kids under a tree was my summer task’
Childhood summers with her thatha, Nageswara Rao Nidamanuri, 80, were full of lessons and laughter, she says: “During our vacations, my granddad would give us a Wren and Martin
English grammar book to study. Then, he’d take us to his village and have us teach the local kids as a summer task. We’d gather everyone under a tree, creating our own little panchayat. It was a unique and memorable way to spend our summers.”
‘My grandma and I are like Tom and Jerry’
In contrast, her grandmom Chenchu Lakshmi Nidamanuri (74), who she affectionately calls ‘amma’ is is all fun and mischief. “My grandma and I are like Tom and Jerry. I’ve always loved goofing around with her. As a child, I’d get scolded if I didn’t finish my plate, but I’m a huge fan of her cooking, it’s my ultimate comfort food. Even now, we share a lot of playful banter, especially when I annoy her by making
social media videos.”
‘Spending time with my grandparents keep me connected to my roots’
Her grandparents have always been her anchor and guiding light, whether it’s a major career decision or a quiet heart-to-heart. “The reason I decided to enter the film industry was my granddad, he was the one who made the final call. Even now, whenever I feel confused or uncertain, he’s the person I turn to for guidance. Spending time with both of them keeps me grounded and connected to my roots. I believe it’s so important for all of us to spend time with our grandparents,” she says.