My parents have always been supportive. I come from a very simple middle class family, where the upbringing is very traditional. So for them to give me the kind of freedom to exercise my choices is very fortunate for me.
Sobhita Dhulipala
One's character is reflected in their choices after all. I'm glad to have been making ones that make my heart soar.
Healthy food is very essential to keep fit.
When I moved to Mumbai for college, it was bit of a culture shock.
The day women begin to feel good about themselves, they will truly feel empowered, and only they can do that for themselves. It will happen the day we stop seeking validation.
Miss Earth, to me, means a lot more than an international beauty pageant. It implies a larger than life celebration of spirit, beauty, passion, and betterment.
I didn't grow up watching films, as I was more academically inclined.
Although I am a Telugu girl, I never felt that my debut in Telugu was delayed. I always wanted to be part of a good script, and I am pleased that 'Goodachari' hit the right notes.
I enjoy experimenting with food and dish out innovative food items as well.
My mother is a teacher, and my father is a chief marine engineer.
Anurag was always too passionate about 'Raman Raghav 2.0' to care about anything else. There never was a 'Bombay Velvet' hangover.
Every person is flawed. Do you think perfection exists? You, me, everyone - we have strengths and shortcomings; that's what makes us human.
It is important to be clear about what you want and pursue that passionately.
I got my big break in Bollywood with Anurag Kashyap's 'Raman Raghav 2.0' when I got a call from one of the casting directors to appear for an audition. At that point, I didn't think that I would make the cut since I was auditioning for a Bollywood film for the very first time. Within an hour of the audition, I was told that I had been selected.
I think most of my childhood, adolescence, and teenage years, I was struggling to feel validated - which led to a lot of my career choices as well.
I'm 87% socially awkward.
I love the breakfast culture - I opt for the French platter.
I'm not obsessed with the idea of fame or lots of money or social power. I can actually do want I want to do - I'm free - isn't that the greatest prize?
Choosing to remain vulnerable and sensitive despite disappointments or heartbreak helps me stay authentic to my life. It is the hardest part.
My friend was interning at the Miss India office and asked me to go for an audition. I just wanted to clear one basic round to show it to my friends. 'I'm in this mind space, and I can do this, losers.' I cleared the first round, and then I wanted to do more.
Doing modeling was a fun thing for me. At a young age, being able to earn was exciting. I got to work with some very talented designers and models. But there was always a yearning in me to do something more.
In India, people tend to get categorised by their job or caste or colour. But in Kamathipura, despite their horrid living, it was truly eye-opening how kind and sensitive these women are.
I watch a lot of Malayalam films and admire them greatly. The films have such wonderful content.
Characters are an extension of your imagination.
I was born and brought up in Vizag 'til 12th Class.
I learnt a hard fact: that dignity is a luxury in our country.
As a full-time model, exciting opportunities came my way, and I was lucky to be featured in the Kingfisher Calendar 2014. This helped me get noticed, and I bagged assignments to walk the ramp for well-known Indian designers.
I am lucky to have found an artistic companion in Anurag; there is a sense of belonging.
I was 19 or 20 when I won Miss India and then did some exciting work in fashion.
I moved to Mumbai to pursue my degree after high school.
If I choose to be part of stupid films, I don't deserve to call myself an actress.
Before starring in 'Raman Raghav 2.0,' I must have watched only 20-odd movies, out of which eight were part of the 'Harry Potter' series.
I like reading and writing, and I am a trained classical dancer.
I want to tell stories that I feel for, and I don't want to be a sell-out.
I'd rather do less work than do bad work.
When I am older, I don't want to look at my films and not be happy about my choices.
If one wants to change the way things are, one has to take risks and be part of different kinds of cinema, despite not knowing how it will be received. That's what thrills me.
Anurag sir is someone every actor would want to work with.
Getting a part in 'Raman Raghav 2.0' was an unbelievable moment. I couldn't believe that it was happening to me.
I thought Anurag sir would be strict, and I had certain kind of perception about him, but he was warm and interactive.
As a person, I am an introvert.
Every night before going to bed, I think about Vizag. But once you wake up, you have to catch up with life.
I've been living in Mumbai for a long time now, and the city has grown on me and even become my home for all practical reasons. But I'll always be a Vizag girl at heart.
I love travelling.
Being a Telugu girl, my heart always roots for Tollywood.
I'm a protein enthusiast, as it forms the foundation of our nutrition.
My idea of a perfect breakfast would be French toast with sausages and tea.
It has been quite a journey from Miss India to modelling and acting.
Whenever I overhear someone talking in Telugu, be it in the market or any random place, I get excited.
I am a pakka South Indian at heart.
