Sobhita Dhulipala, celebrated for her trailblazing portrayal of Tara in Made in Heaven, found her real-life happy ending by tying the knot with Naga Chaitanya on December 4th. The intimate wedding at the Akkineni family’s Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad was a beautiful affair with close family and friends by their side. Steeped in their Telugu traditions, the ceremony was a heartwarming reflection of their love, with every photo capturing pure joy, warmth, and an abundance of smiles.
Not only did the bride’s choice of looks leave us completely mesmerised, but each one told a story of rich tradition and culture. From the engagement outfit, which held deep significance in every intricate detail, to her wedding day ensemble, where she looked as though she had stepped out of a Raja Ravi Varma painting, every look was nothing short of breathtaking. Here’s a walk-through of her bridal journey, which is sure to help you crack the code of wedding elegance.
The Engagement
The couple, who had kept their relationship under wraps, confirmed it by getting engaged in August at the veteran actor Naga Chaitanya’s home in Hyderabad, which was beautifully decorated with auspicious lotus flowers. What truly caught our attention is that the bride-to-be choice of half saree by renowned designer Manish Malhotra is inspired from the paintings of iconic Telegu artist Bapu. Draped in a blend of textiles sourced from the weaving communities of Andhra Pradesh, the tussar silk lehenga was layered with exquisite jewellery. For her hairstyle, she opted for a Kanakaambaram flower-adorned braid that’s traditional temple blooms worn by Telugu women, adding a time-defying touch to her look.
Godhuma Raayi Pasupu Danchadam
The wedding festivities kicked off with the Godhuma Raayi Pasupu Danchadam, a traditional ritual marking the beginning of the pre-wedding celebrations. The bride embodied simplicity and grace, draped in a beautiful pink Kajeevaram saree, a quintessential piece of South Indian weddings. This saree held special meaning, as it was passed down to her by her mother-in-law, symbolising the bond between generations and how the grace of the drape remains imperishable. The saree’s intricate green and gold borders added a striking contrast, while her choice of green glass bangles and fresh jasmine blooms in her hair perfectly complemented the ensemble.
Raata Sthaapana and Mangalasnaanam
Mangalasnaanam is a ceremony that takes place close to the nuptials. The ritual signifies a purifying or a holy bath that prepares the bride or the groom for the wedding day. Sobhita’s choice of outfit perfectly complimented the ceremony’s mood board, ensuring minimalism was at its core. She draped herself in a lightweight cotton mustard saree paired with a bandeau blouse. The outfit was enhanced with traditional gold ornaments, including a gorgeous bajuband, adding a touch of elegance. Her makeup was kept fresh and dewy, and she completed the look with a septum nath, which not only captured traditional beauty but also offered inspiration for South Indian brides-to-be.
Pelli Kuthuru
Pelli Kuthuru is a ceremony wherein the bride is anointed with crushed haldi and is bestowed with gifts. For the ceremony, she chose a timeless red saree, making it a trousseau favourite for all the right reasons. While yellow is the traditional choice for the occasion, Sobhita took a bold, unconventional route. Her red saree, adorned with intricate gold brocade work, was a stunning departure from the norm. She elevated the simple high-neck blouse with a long necklace, jhumkas, and a mangtikka, effortlessly moving the focus on the exquisite jewellery.
The Pre-Wedding Gala
For the final leg of the pre-wedding celebrations in Vizag, she played the wildcard by curating a breathtaking look designed by the visionary Sabyasachi, drawing inspiration from the boho aesthetic. The ensemble also drew from the designer’s archives, featuring a stunning ‘chotu lehenga’ adorned with intricate zardozi work and hand-painted mirror borders, paired with a Kanthi blouse. She further elevated the look with a Punjabi twist, accessorising with a parandi and exquisite chandbalis from The East of India, creating a truly iconic Sabyasachi bride moment.
The Wedding Day
The new-age star opted for two distinctly stunning drapes for her big day. As her first pick, she chose a majestic Pattu Cheera saree by Gaurang Shah featuring intricate handloom detailing in elegant ivory and gold that added a royal touch to her look. She embraced artisanal jewellery, with chandra motif-laden tiered necklaces, jhumkas, and kadhas that enhanced her regal appearance. In line with the tradition of South Indian weddings, where the bride changes into a second saree, she later switched to a classic red and white saree, completing the look with an alluring set of jewellery that perfectly complemented her grandeur.
The Cocktail Night
For her post-wedding intimate cocktail, she channelled the essence of a retro diva. The gilded draped gown by Tarun Tahiliani feels reminiscent of the 1950s Jazz era. The edgy yet romantic, old-school silhouette featured a stunning plunging neckline, beautifully complemented by scintillating jewellery from the renowned eponymous label, perfectly enhancing her sultry yet sophisticated allure.