Keerthy Suresh Faced This Unexpected Twist On First Set

You wouldn’t expect tears behind a debut moment, but Keerthy Suresh remembers hers vividly. Long before the awards, the iconic Mahanati performance, or the pan-India stardom, there was a raw, uncertain newcomer standing in front of a camera, unsure if she belonged. That incident occurred on the set of her debut movie, Geethanjali, which was helmed by the renowned Priyadarshan. It had a lasting impact that influenced her future.

In an open interview given in support of her next movie, Uppu Kapparambu, Keerthy remembered how a direct comment made by Priyadarshan struck a deep chord. After a scene, he scolded her harshly: “Go look at the monitor. See how badly you acted.” Keerthy admitted that, as a newcomer, she cried. It wasn’t just the words, it was the pressure of proving herself. But over time, she realized that the director’s strictness wasn’t personal; he even scolded his own daughter, actress Kalyani Priyadarshan, the same way. That tough start, though painful, became her first real lesson in the industry.

Cut to today, Keerthy is starring in a female-led film alongside Suhas, and the atmosphere couldn’t be more different. With director Shashi at the helm, Keerthy says she’s found a space of freedom and collaboration. “He never yells, he shows you how to act, and lets you find your rhythm,” she shared. It’s not just the roles that have evolved, Keerthy has too. From silently absorbing harsh words to confidently holding her ground, her growth as an actor reflects in every frame.

Now lending her voice in Kalki 2898 AD, and continuing to explore diverse roles in Telugu cinema, Keerthy’s journey is still unfolding, but her foundation remains honest and human. And maybe that’s the real story behind the success: not a perfect launch, but an imperfect, emotional start that taught her how to weather the spotlight without losing her soul.