Actress Sobhita Dhulipala has been always praised for her unique sense of style, deep understanding of culture, and artistic journey that connects India and the rest of the world.
She now comes on board Aditya Birla Group's craft-forward initiative, Aadyam Handwoven, as its brand ambassador and it is a perfect fit for her personal ideology of promoting Indian culture.
Aadyam's dedication to keeping weaving traditions alive and Sobhita's love of conveying stories via style are two strong forces that come together in this project.
Sobhita has always worn Indian designers on red carpets around the world, including for the US premiere of her first Hollywood movie, Monkey Man earlier this year.
And for the Made In Heaven actress, working with Aadyam is more than just a marketing partnership.
It makes sense that she would keep looking at Indian textiles, handlooms, and ethnic identity. The synergy is not just in looks but also in purpose.
Her evolving personal journey marked by international work, a shift to Hyderabad post wedding with Naga Chaitanya, demanding film shoots, adds emotional layers to her growth as an artist.
Sobhita adds that her devotion to craft, authenticity, and the stories weaved into Indian textiles has kept her grounded through all the changes.
In this exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Sobhita Dhulipala talks honestly about Indian craftsmanship, her relationship with Aadyam, her philosophy of self-expression, the balance between her global goals and her cultural roots.
Here are the exclusive excerpts from the interview with Sobhita:
Aadyam celebrates Indian craftsmanship through a modern lens. What was the brand’s philosophy that resonated the most with you when you came on board as its ambassador?
Sobhita: I’m mesmerized by the depth and beauty of Indian craftsmanship. With handlooms- I’ve been on a steady journey of discovery and Aadyam was a great platform for me to explore and appreciate. I have great respect for how well structured their support for artisans is, they’re a social enterprise and truly walk the talk when it comes to nurturing the weaving community. Honoured to work with them for many special purposes.
Your personal style is known to be bold, experimental, yet rooted in elegance. How closely does that align with Aadyam’s design language?
Sobhita: I’m on a journey, my expression has gone through many changes as is natural. What I most connect with Aadyam’s language is its storytelling through textile, the power is personal touch and the magical intricacy of handwork. These are things I’ve always loved. And of course - the joy in returning to our roots.
From international projects to strong Indian storytelling, your career choices reflect individuality. How important is it for you to associate with brands like Aadyam that vouch for authenticity and heritage?
Sobhita: It feels like the most natural association, I’ve been certain to wear Indian designers to most events, including the premieres of my Hollywood Debut monkey man in the US. I’ve taken pride in the exceptional arts of our country and to be able to work with a social enterprise like Aadyam takes it a step further in being able to get more young people discover this big magical world of textile and craft.
Fashion often plays a big role in shaping an actor’s on-screen and off-screen identity. Now you are associated with Aadyam, how has it influenced your own approach to dressing or self-expression?
Sobhita: Our journey together has just begin, there are miles to go and I’m sure that I will only fall deeper and deeper in love with this. I’m especially looking forward to exploring the works of the weaving clusters Aadyam works with.
With so much happening on the career front, how are you balancing work, personal time, and this new phase of life?
Sobhita: When we like something, everything about it feels smooth and beautiful and the opposite if we don’t enjoy something. Don’t you think? There are two films I shot for over the past year - one being exceptionally grueling due to heavy action, plus my transition to Hyderabad - a shuffle between the many more cities - and this new relationship experience. All this has softened me at the right places, I’m grateful.
With your growing global presence, how do you balance staying true to your Indian roots while evolving as an international artist—much like Aadyam’s modern take on Indian textiles?
Sobhita: The farther out we explore the world, whether through work or however else, the more we realise that in actuality we are only going inwards. Into a better understanding of who we are and who we are not. It’s so fantastic to have met Aadyam when I’ve been digging deeper into the world of textiles, for over a couple of years. Had the chance to apply a few of those learnings in my wedding where I styled myself throughout and made sure to integrate the textile heritage of my community. And now, at this event, I’m wearing Tanchoi saree from Aadyam saree which has these panels of hounds tooth motifs running across. The unexpected meeting of old and new, east and west, these choices are most definitely unique and have a place in today’s wardrobes. This is the beauty of being an Indian woman today, one foot in modernity and one in tradition, it’s a dance.
Sobhita Dhulipala, who got married last year to Telugu actor Naga Chaitanya, has been equally prolific on the professional front.
After earning global attention with her Hollywood debut 'Monkey Man', Sobhita continued to strengthen her foothold with compelling Indian projects across streaming and cinema.
She also became famous for her role of Tara in Made In Heaven - Part 1 and 2.
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