Sobhita Dhulipala Tells Us All About Her Ideal Partner And Dream Wedding

There’s a quiet confidence to our cover star Sobhita Dhulipala, as she strikes a languid pose by the pool, clad in a champagne-coloured lehenga by RI Ritu Kumar. An Internet sensation, she is casually aware of her intriguing persona, her eyes exuding a sense of mystery, and an innate power that she draws from her lean, feminine physique. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but know you’re in the presence of a rising star. And 2019 has been especially kind to her—It began with her role as the ambitious wedding planner in Zoya Akhtar’s Made In Heaven, due for a second season. Much like the reinvented Ritu Kumar brand that’s crafted with a fresh, young take on modern wedding wear. Bride’s Today caughtup with the actor for a chat on love, equality, her ideal partner, and more.

What does love mean to you?

Love, to me, is friendship and romance, something that shouldn’t be postponed.

What does equality in a relationship look like to you?

When two people are able to treat each other as people, not with attached gender roles of male and female.

What’s the most romantic gesture someone has ever done for you?

A poem was written for me, which I thought was very sweet, and then this person jumped in through the window of my building, which I thought was a little creepy.

Can you tell us about the most romantic author or poet you’ve read?

[Charles] Bukowski—it’s like blood under the tongue. He is quite something.

What are the traits you would like in your ideal partner?

I think I’d like my partner to be curious about life, about things that are beyond his life and mine. About general things, because I’m like that. And he has to be kind—he can’t be an a**hole to people who aren’t important to him. It really touches me when you can be nice to people outside your circle.

What would your wedding look like? Where do you think it will be?

If I get married, I think it'll be a very simple, court marriage type of a thing. I don’t think I’m someone who’s so interested in pomp and fervour.

Can you tell us a little bit about what you, perhaps, learnt about marriage and relationships from Made In Heaven?

I think I’ve learnt that it’s always going to be complicated, no matter how it looks from the outside to everybody, so accept the shortcomings as a part of the process.

Do you have any piece of advice you’d give to a bride-to-be?

It’s too late to run! I think you should enjoy it. And I know in India we put weddings on a pedestal, but be who you are. Don’t be defined by just one role—you’re not just a wife, or just a mother, or just a friend, or just a sister. You’re all these things. So remember it.

Where would you like to go for your honeymoon?

Do I have to go to my dream place only on my honeymoon? I want to go to Iceland. I want to see the Northern Lights also. Oh, and I want to go to Africa… Maybe Tanzania and Kenya. And I want to climb a mountain!