It is one thing to manifest success for yourself and a whole another to make the right moves for it. As consistency and persistence take a back seat at times, these are the times of playing your cards right to pave your own path. And Sobhita Dhulipala is proof. In this era of the ‘lucky girl syndrome’, she has undertaken the practice of acting on her instincts. Quickly emerging into a precious gemstone under the high pressure of performance, Sobhita is set to claim her spot in the business of entertainment.
A taster of early success can very easily cap one’s scope of potential. For the actor visiting the 69th Cannes Film Festival with her debut film ‘Raman Raghav 2.0’, it was a sign to reach for the stars. “Everything was new and I must have been 23 at the time. I was learning on the job and so, I think I was processing it on-the-go. More than pride, there was a feeling of, ‘okay, I’m glad I’m being validated by people who embody merit’. It felt good but I don’t think at that time I understood it to be honest. My director, Anurag [Kashyap] sir was the one who was very, very thrilled about it. I was just happy enough that people thought it was cool.”
You’d expect a life-changing moment such as winning the title of Miss Earth would act as a catalyst for instant fame. But it was only a foot in the door for her curious soul as there was much to discover. “It was very different. I was very geeky and awkward as a kid. For me to be allowed into a space like that felt like I was bluffing. Because on the inside, I really didn’t know how to belong. After I won the pageant, I think I was more shocked than surprised. I liked fashion and desired to be a model because I didn’t actually understand what it means to be a part of the entertainment industry. And I didn’t frankly think that I could be an actor.”
When Sobhita decided to brave into unknown waters, there was much to gain and loose. For one, she had a choice of becoming a reflection or a contrast of the past generations. Then the apprehension about how the choices she would make at this stage would influence the life she would lead and become her legacy. “When you’re on your own and you get recognised and people appreciate your work, it means a lot and really nourishes you. It motivates you to do better. I was a little naive about it, but looking back, I think there’s a certain sweetness to it because it wasn’t strategic. It wasn’t thought through. I thought it was cool and then obviously each step along the way made me feel like I’d like to do a little more. I’d like to figure a little more. And that’s when I sort of discovered that I really liked fashion.”
In Action
The acclaimed actor then immersed herself in the art of acting beyond the limits of the frame. “To be honest, when I got my first film, I did not come from actually understanding the technical aspect of filmmaking at that point. I was really all heart and I think that made me a good student on that set more than anything. The team, the crew, the cast, they were all very passionate individuals, which had an influence on me on the kind of work I wanted to do going forward, on the kind of attitude I take with me to work.”
Being an avid reader, she understands how some stories belong on the big screen, while some deserve longer screen time for the viewers to completely savour it. “I feel like the difference lies more in how the story asks for the medium.” This perspective of understanding the need of detail to a character has helped Sobhita transform from the cutting-edge tones of Tara Khanna in Amazon Prime Video drama series ‘Made in Heaven’ to the quick-witted role of Vanathi in Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus ‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’. “I don’t think there’s any difference between the OTT and movie format because we just do our job for both. Although as an actor who has had the chance to play a character that’s fleshed out a lot more in a show, I realise that through series you get to sort of develop the story and the character further. So, there’s just more to play with.”
Reel & Real
Accompanied by a sense of gratitude and liveliness, Sobhita strongly indulges in the idea of individuality. Her tried and tested method of gaining clarity through personal experiences has kept her open to new opportunities. 2023 is a year of releases for the actor who is looking forward to the release of big screen bangers like ‘PS-2’ and OTT specials like ‘The Night Manager’ and ‘Made in Heaven season 2’. “I am actually mild terrified about The Night Manager because I loved the book. The show being made in India with Anil [Kapoor] sir and Aditya [Roy Kapur], and such an eclectic mix of people is thrilling. I’m quite curious to know what people who have watched the original think about this adaptation. I feel like straddling two of the nicest looking, charming gentlemen of two different age groups and being in the midst of it made me think of it as a lot of hard work, but someone’s gotta do it.”
Style For Days
No matter how intense or exciting, the window of embodying a character stays between action and cut with the actor. She brings in a personal touch through her love for fashion and style. “When I wear something, my intention wholeheartedly is to sort of embrace it, make it mine and to own it. So, I think when I play a character, I hope to do the same with it. And I guess with a show like ‘Made in Heaven, it’s more visible.” What started as a modelling career has now immerged into a full-fledged, well-deserved celebrity status buttered with originality.
Often seen donning a mix of sensual cocktail dresses and homely saris, her wardrobe is biased towards the latter. “I feel my most attractive, wonderful, rooted, but also free in a sari because I love, love, love drapes. I feel like drapes are like water, you know? You can create mystery, you can create sex appeal, you can create a certain sharpness. I do feel like that today we have very few styles left that honour draping and sari is the most celebrated one for us Indians. Ivory is my personal favourite.” She leaves us with a piece of advice for the brides of Khush Wedding saying, “Buy consciously and also try understanding if you don’t naturally know how to feel comfortable in a sari, maybe help yourself with some of the new-age solutions like a pre-draped sari or a super comfortable blouse.”
Outfits: Aisha Rao, www.AishaRao.com
Jewellery: A Jewels By Anmol
Editor-in-chief: Sonia Ullah
Photographer: Vansh Virmani
Creative Director: Manni Sahota
Fashion Editor: Vikas Rattu
Fashion Stylist: Tanishq Malhotra
Hair & Makeup: Saher A Gandhi
Assistants: Bhavya Jain
Location: Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
Production: April Studios