She’s been a pan India star even before the term came to become a part of our lexicon.
When Keerthy Suresh won the National Award for her performance in Mahanati (2018), the rest of the country was just about waking up to the talent down South. That the film enjoyed massive popularity across the country says a lot about the actor’s stardom. Ever since, fans have been patiently waiting for her to spread her wings further and mark her descent into Hindi cinema. Which it finally did, at the end of 2024 with the Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John.
Keerthy Suresh is that rare female actor who works across industries and enjoys superstardom everywhere she goes. As she told us, in an exclusive conversation, there are a lot of exciting things lined up in the future for her.
Esquire India: What took you so long to sign your first Hindi film?
Keerthy Suresh: I was supposed to do a project five years back, but it didn’t shape up the way I wanted. I was waiting for the right role. Baby John was everything that I could ask for as my debut. I sincerely believe that timing plays a huge role and everything happens when the moment is right.
ESQ: Your wedding was the best kept secret of 2024
KS: We have been dating for 15 years but we always kept it private. We are not like other couples who go out on dates. We talk to each other a lot, especially on the phone. It is a mature relationship now.
ESQ: Was acting always your passion?
KS: I always wanted to become an actor since an early age. My mother Menaka was also an actor and, would often talk about her journey and her struggles in the industry. When my sister and I were studying in school, people would ask her whether we planned to become doctors or engineers as our grades were good and we would both say we were going to be in cinema as our parents are in cinema.
ESQ: Then why that brief detour to study fashion designing?
KS: I always wanted to be in a creative field, but my parents were clear that I had to finish my education before getting into the movies. I decided to study fashion design and become a model so that I would get acting offers organically.
ESQ: Would you say Mahanati was your breakthrough film?
KS: That was a game changer for me, my biggest hit till date. It was also one of the highest female film grossers and made 85 crores in 2018. It was a huge success, and my life changed after that.
ESQ: What can we look forward from you in 2025?
KS: A lot of work. I’m doing a Telugu film and a Hindi web series. I’m also in talks for films in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi. 2025 promises to be quite exciting!