Mumbai: Amid speculation over Team India cricketer Tilak Varma dating Sreeleela, the actor’s mother Dr Swarnalatha dismissed the reports, stating that there is “absolutely no truth” in them.
She further added that Sreeleela is presently concentrating on her film projects as well as preparations for her upcoming NEET-PG examination.
The rumours about Sreeleela and Tilak started doing the rounds after a light-hearted interaction between Tilak and his Mumbai Indians teammate Suryakumar Yadav gained traction on social media.
It led to speculation among online users, some of whom wondered whether Tilak and Sreeleela had been dating for a year.
Sreeleela’s mother shut these netizens up firmly.
“These rumours are absolutely false and have no truth in them. We do not know how such stories emerge. There is not even an iota of truth in reports claiming that Sreeleela and Tilak Varma have been seeing each other for the past year. It is purely a figment of imagination,” she told Deccan Chronicle.
“She is preparing for her NEET-PG examination scheduled in June. Right now, her concentration is entirely on studies and films. She has another five to six years ahead for such personal matters and is balancing both academics and career very well,” Dr Swarnalatha added.
Even before her mother’s comments, Sreeleela’s team had denied the rumours, stating that the actor and Tilak are not personally acquainted with each other.
In an official statement, Sreeleela’s team said, “The rumours surrounding Tilak Varma and Sreeleela are completely baseless and untrue. The two have never even met or spoken to each other. There is absolutely no truth to these speculations, and such fabricated stories should not be circulated without any factual basis.”
The rumours seem to have originated from viral clips, fan speculation and ongoing chatter on social media.
Several online posts claimed that Sreeleela’s mother was spotted at the IPL clash between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, further fuelling the dating buzz.
Adding to the speculation, some users alleged that a member of Sreeleela’s team attended the match wearing a jersey bearing Tilak’s name.
There were also unverified claims that Sreeleela and Tilak had interacted online in the past before allegedly unfollowing each other after the rumours gained attention.
The speculation intensified after a viral video showed Suryakumar playfully teasing Tilak in a hotel lobby.
In the clip, Suryakumar can be heard saying, “Tilak Varma, na? Tilak Varma is in love.”
Many social media users interpreted the playful comment as a subtle hint, which strengthened the online speculation.
On the work front, Sreeleela is currently preparing for her Bollywood debut with Anurag Basu’s directorial, opposite Kartik Aaryan.
The actress will also be seen with Dhanush in a Tamil project.
