Bringing honesty to every role is what matters most to me: Sri Gouri Priya

Time of India

6 days ago

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Sri Gouri Priya grew up watching films in local theatres before stepping into the limelight herself. With notable roles in films like Mail (2021), Writer Padmabhushan (2023), and the coming-of-age comedy MAD (2023), she is part of a growing wave of homegrown talent making a mark in Tollywood.
Now working alongside names like Abbas and GV Prakash in an upcoming Tamil family entertainer, she talks about the beginnings that shaped her, the language that grounds her, and her drive to bring alive stories that stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
'Hyderabad has shaped me, both as a person and an actor'
For Sri Gouri Priya, Hyderabad is not just home but the foundation of her love for cinema. 'I'm a proper Hyderabadi girl. I was born and raised here, went to school and college here, and I think so much of who I am today comes from this city.
Growing up, I spent countless weekends watching my favourite films in the classic theatres here. That's where the dream really began,' she says.
Even before she made her mark on screen, she was no stranger to the stage. 'I participated in every school cultural activity, was part of a singing reality show, and then, quite randomly, I entered a beauty pageant and won. I also had small roles in films like Fidaa. But at that time, I honestly didn't imagine I'd become a lead actress.
Things just started falling into place naturally,' she reflects with a smile.
'I became known as the girl who slaps in MAD'
While she gained recognition with Mail (2021) and Writer Padmabhushan (2023), it was her role as Shruthi in MAD that brought Gouri widespread attention. 'Post-MAD, things changed significantly,' she says. The film connected her with younger audiences, who often associate her with her character's punchy moments.
'People often come up to me and say, 'You are MAD!' I have to clarify, 'No, I'm from MAD,' she says with a laugh, adding, 'But, it's nice to be remembered for a role that resonated with viewers.
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'No matter what language you speak, your job is to bring truth to the character'
For decades, Tollywood has largely been dominated by non-local actresses, which has fueled the lingering perception that Telugu-speaking girls get fewer chances.
'I've met many directors and producers who specifically look for Telugu-speaking girls for their projects. In that sense, I've personally found the industry to be quite welcoming,' Gouri says. Drawing from her own journey beyond Tollywood, she recalls working on the Tamil anthology Modern Love Chennai: 'I wasn't familiar with the setting or the dialect, but I trained with a local woman to get the nuances right.
For me, no matter what language you speak, the essence of acting lies in portraying the character truthfully and bringing authenticity to the screen.'
-There's something special about seeing yourself on the same screens you grew up watching as a kid. That full-circle moment is hard to describe. I carry that sense of gratitude and responsibility into every role I take on
- In True Lover, I played a woman who walks away from a toxic relationship. That experience made me realise how much I value being part of films that create meaningful conversations and spark dialogue
- Divya Shree