From Silver Screens to Shooting Arenas, From Music to Humanity — Meet India’s Youngest Powerhouse of Possibilities
Shreelakshmi Bhat also recognized as Babyshree, a 16-year-old from Bangalore, Karnataka, has etched her name in golden letters across multiple fields. She is a Director, Author, Rifle- Pistol Shooter, Child artist, Musician, Academic Topper, and a Dedicated Social Activist — all rolled into one. Her incredible journey stands as a towering inspiration to the youth of India and a matter of pride for the nation.
Cinematic Brilliance: The Youngest Female Director in India
Shreelakshmi’s journey into cinema has been nothing short of phenomenal. She has been officially recognized by the London Book of Records, India Book of Record, Kalam Book of Records, and Karnataka Book of Records as India’s Youngest Female Film Director — a rare distinction earned through passion, discipline, and sheer creative brilliance.
She has independently directed five critically acclaimed films: Prakrati, Srushti, Nadhanka, Siri, and Ruthu. What makes her achievement historic is not just the direction, but her complete authorship — she has written the story, screenplay, dialogues, lyrics, and helmed the direction of each film. This multilingual, multi-genre authorship is unprecedented at such a young age.
Her cinematic excellence has earned her over 30 national and international film awards, including:
🏆 Dadasaheb Phalke Best Youth Director Award
🏆 International Film Festival – Best Youth Director
🏆 Mysore International Film Festival – Young Filmmaker Award
🏆 Filmfare International Youth Director Award
🏆 Iconic Pride of India Award
🏆 Karnataka International Film Festival – Youngest Female Director Award
🏆 Iconic Bharat Gaurav Puraskar
🏆 National Icon – Youngest Director Award
🏆 Indogma International Film Festival – Youth Director Award
🏆 Asian Talent International – Best Female Student Director
🏆 Nawada International Film Festival – Youth Female Director Award
“For me, cinema is not just entertainment — it’s a way to awaken thought, spark emotion, and inspire hearts,” says Shreelakshmi with mature clarity beyond her years.
Literary Aspirations: The Voice of a Generation
Adding another feather to her creative cap, Shreelakshmi is also an emerging author. Her two upcoming books reflect her dedication to empowering youth:
- “ಯಶೋದಿಗಂತ (Yashodiganta)” – A motivational Kannada book aimed at inspiring students through stories, quotes, and reflections.
- “Student Key Success in Alphabets” – An English guidebook breaking down success habits using each letter of the alphabet.
Her writing is motivational, structured, and experience-driven, designed to help young readers find clarity, discipline, and courage.
“Words can build minds. Through my books, I want to give every student the tools to build their own future,” she shares.
Precision on Target: A Champion Shooter
Away from lights and literature, Shreelakshmi takes aim — quite literally — as a medal-winning rifle and pistol shooter. Competing at international levels, she has won medals in state, national, and international competitions. Her achievements in shooting are marked by: Focus, Steady discipline, Emotional control, High-performance training.
Academic Excellence: A Gold Medalist in Olympiads
In the academic realm, Shreelakshmi has dominated national Olympiads, earning:
- 56+ Gold Medals
- 24+ Silver Medals
Her Olympiad successes span subjects such as: Science, Mathematics, English, Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge. Despite her demanding artistic and athletic schedule, she continues to excel in academics — a true testament to time management and commitment. “Learning never ends. Whether I’m on a film set or in a classroom, I’m always a student,” she humbly says.
Musical Mastery: A One-Girl Orchestra
Shreelakshmi is a classically trained musician who plays nine different instruments: flute, sitar, tabla, veena, violin, pakwaj, keyboard, guitar, and manjira. In addition, she is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and Yakshagana performer, representing Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage on national stages.
“Music teaches rhythm — in melody, and in life,” she says with a smile.
Screen Presence: A Natural Performer
Her acting career began in early childhood. To date, she has:
- Starred in 18 movies
- Appeared in 1300+ episodes across 4 major television serials
- Received 27+ awards for Best Child Artist
Her performances are known for their natural expressions, emotional depth, and artistic maturity.
“Acting is not pretending — it’s about living truthfully in every moment on screen,” she says.
Heart of Gold: A Lifelong Volunteer
Amidst her many achievements, what stands out most is Shreelakshmi’s commitment to giving back. She dedicates her time and energy to helping others, especially those in need.
She volunteers at:
- Srimadahava Seva Trust, teaching children with autism and intellectual disabilities through music, craft, and art therapy
- Orphanages, where she teaches basic literacy and life skills to underprivileged children
- Old Age Homes, where she provides emotional support, performs music, and offers companionship to the elderly
“The greatest joy in life is seeing someone else smile because of you. That’s the real reward,” she says.
A Living Inspiration
From her hometown in Bangalore to the international stage, Shreelakshmi Bhat is making India proud. Her story is one of discipline, compassion, talent, and relentless pursuit of purpose. She represents the dream of New India — bold, bright, and deeply rooted in values.
“You don’t need to wait for adulthood to make a difference. Every young person can become a changemaker today — through effort, empathy, and excellence,” she says to her fellow youth.
At just 16, Shreelakshmi Bhat is not just an achiever — she is a movement. A name that shines not just in lights, but in hearts. And her journey has only just begun.
