Our cover star Sobhita Dhulipala talks about finding her feet, walking, and now sprinting to success

I met Sobhita Dhulipala on a weekend, exactly a week away from when the next season of her OTT series was to be out. I remember seeing her and thinking, “I don't know about the show, but Dhulipala’s symmetric jawline, defined collarbones, and athletic poise, are definitely made in heaven”. Her character, Tara Khanna, has been spoken about more than any of her former roles (Isha Khanna in Bard of Blood or Neha in Ghost Stories), mainly for her incontrovertible performance and the plot’s strong relatability for anyone who has attended a tawdry Delhi wedding. 

From the subjects that the series and her character tackle—colourism, dowry, domestic abuse, sexual identity, caste discrimination, infidelity—you know Dhulipala wants to be a thinking person’s actor.  

The plot, though, comes a close second to why Dhulipala was much talked-about at the Bazaar cover girl meeting. Her sartorial choices in Made In Heaven are a character of their own, just like Balli Sehrawat’s physique was, in another Netflix series, Class. 

Fashion girls will agree—if there is one OTT wardrobe they’d want to raid after Nalini Vishwakumar’s (played by Poorna Jagannathan) in Never Have I Ever, it would be Tara’s. From a peach Torani sari, the houndstooth patterned suit, an archival Sabyasachi floral bodycon that became her revenge dress, to the silver Raw Mango drape, Dhulipala’s character drops looks as swiftly as South Delhi aunties chug scotch at sundowners in the south of France. 

In an exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, she speaks about what beauty means to her, how her work is instrumental in shaping her as a person, and more. Excerpts from our conversation with this OTT star. 

Sonal Ved (SV): Your stellar performance in Made in Heaven propelled you into mainstream success, and you’re now considered a “mainstream actor”. What are your thoughts on the impact that OTT has had on the entertainment industry at large and your journey with it? 

Sobhita Dhulipala (SD): I’ve been told that my career trajectory is dotted with unconventional triumphs and for that I’m immeasurably grateful. I started work as an actor in what you call indie films/art house/parallel cinema and whatnot. It certainly was a fantastic source of learning and propelled me to embrace the craft of acting more than anything. Over the course of my journey, having worked in multiple languages and a mixed bag of films, it’s certain that OTT platforms have given me the fuel and the opportunity to hold my own on screen. It’s been fantastic and inspiring.

SV: You recently turned showstopper for Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna at the India Couture Week. What are your thoughts on celebrities turning showstoppers for fashion shows? How important do you think the collaboration is for the brand and the celebrity?  

SD: Honestly, I don’t understand the nitty-gritty of what goes on behind the scenes in terms of trade. As far as my participation goes, I try to put the spotlight on the outfit and its craftsmanship whenever I walk the ramp. It is the right thing to focus on.

SV: Speaking of show-stopping—there is a notion of “conventional beauty”. You’ve opened up about labels and judgments that were thrown at you. How has your definition of beauty and body, and your relationship with the same evolved over the years?  

SD: It 100 per cent has! A lot has to do with how we perceive ourselves, and my opinion of myself goes through constant change. I’m definitely in a healthier place as far as self-image and self-esteem are concerned. I respect this gift of beauty and get on with the rest of life with what I, as an individual, as a storyteller, and as a human being can bring to the table.

SV: We’ve seen a wave of celebrities like Malaika Arora, Athiya Shetty, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, and so many more become the face of various beauty brands. If you were to represent a brand, what is the kind of voice you would want to bring to it? What would go into your selection of it?  

SD: Beauty is quite a large segment and it encompasses multiple categories like hair, skincare, make-up, perhaps perfumes, etc. I, for one, would be delighted if I could share my personal voice with my associates and collaborate on shared ideas of what a modern Indian woman could be. It’s important to carry our individuality, dimension, and personality with us wherever we go.

SV: In many ways, your Instagram exhibits who you are—versatile, creative, unfiltered, and authentic. What has shaped your sense of aesthetic, personal style, and a need to be open and honest on your feed?

SD: In a nutshell, my visual language may have been shaped by my experiences of pain and pleasure. They sometimes come together, too. Thank you for the kind words, although I often wonder if I should completely get off Instagram!

SV: From your role in Made in Heaven to that in Ghost Stories—you’ve often portrayed complex characters that reflect realism and intense emotions. Have these roles helped you understand your identity as a woman better? How do you detach from such intense characters?  

SD: I’m immensely fortunate to have played parts that are multidimensional, relatable, and have depth, as well as roles that needed me to be glamorous and confident. And because I was offered these parts from a young age, it pushed me to mature sooner. It made me more empathetic and allowed me to commit to my interest in spiritual studies, theosophy, poetry, solo travel, etc., and apply their learnings at the workplace. These things made me softer, which, to me, is another word for stronger.

SV: Tell us about your next project.

SB: I’m in the process of figuring out my next projects. I’m anticipating the release of a film this year and the release of Monkey Man, my Hollywood debut. Exciting times lay ahead!

 

Interview / Digital Editor: Sonal Ved (@sonalved)
Editor: Rasna Bhasin (@rasnabhasin)
Photographer: Nishanth Radhakrishnan (@nishanth.radhakrishnan)/ @featartists
Creative Director & Stylist: Kshitij Kankaria @kshitijkankaria
Cover Design: Mandeep Singh (@mandy_khokhar19)
Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)
Hair and Makeup: Mitesh Rajani (@miteshrajani)/ @featartists
Hair and Makeup Assistant: Nitu Tamang (@nitutamang143)
Assistant Stylist: Karishma Diwan @karishma.diwan 

Sobhita is wearing Zergul Embroidered Jacket, @ritukumarhq; Faux Fur Yellow Coat, @rhycni; Semi Precious Doublet Earrings, @goldenwindow; Mariza Is Back Gold Heels, @louboutinworld