Imagine waking up one day to see a direct message from one of India's acclaimed directors Ram Gopal Varma on your Instagram feed. Surprising, right? For Kottayam native Sreelakshmi Satheesh, the moment was almost life-altering. Little did she know she would be propelled to national fame, with many enquiring her whereabouts on social media. It all started when Ram Gopal Varma, (known famously as RGV) sent her a message on Instagram after seeing some of her photographs. He then went on to enquire about her on X, formerly Twitter. “Can someone tell me who she is?”
Soon enough, social media went buzzing with the tweet in the quest to find the young model. “Some say sari is the most beautiful dress but I never believed till I saw this video. I am inspired to make a film called Sari with her,” he further wrote, while sharing a video of the 2nd year M Sc student. Onmanorama caught up with Sreelakshmi, the girl of the moment, sharing details about the social media fame and her future plans.
So, do you see this as a life-altering moment?
To be honest, I did not really know who Ram Gopal Varma was though I have seen 'Rangeela' but did not know it was RGV sir who directed the movie. It was my photographer Agosh Prasad who alerted me that the filmmaker was trying to get in touch with me. My Instagram feed was also filled with messages by many people who were also sharing my video and tagging me in it. It made me so happy to know that such a talented filmmaker was enquiring about me and my work.
He plans to cast you in a movie called Saree
Yes, after I responded, he called me and told me that he would like to do a film with me. He said he is currently busy with another project and will keep me updated once the script for the film is ready. I have still not decided if I will sign up for the project and will make a final decision if I find the character convincing.
Do you have a hesitation to do the project?
Some people have been nasty. Recently, RGV was involved in a controversial incident where he was seen licking and kissing an actress's feet. These people are trying to connect me in a similar way with the filmmaker. Most of the negative comments are from Malayalis alone, while the people from North India and other parts of South India have been more respectful. These same 'frustrated' men have sent flirty messages to me privately. I have decided to ignore them. Ram Gopal Varma sir has been strictly professional with me and very respectful. That's all I need.
Has modelling been your passion?
I like creating video content and have randomly started modelling. Though I would post some of my works on Instagram, I guess my work started getting noticed more after I joined Videocon. Presently, I am pursuing my 2nd year M.SC at the Sree Kerala Varma College in Thrissur. I haven't thought much about the future and will take life as it comes.
