You’ve seen the photos. The gold zari, the white khadi, and that specific look of relief on their faces. For months, the internet was basically a 24/7 detective agency trying to pin down Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya. Are they dating? Is that the same wine glass in two different Instagram stories? Why is Chay in London at the same time as her?
Honestly, the noise was exhausting. But when the two finally tied the knot on December 4, 2024, it wasn't some massive, over-the-top Bollywood circus. It was quiet. It was local. And it was deeply, almost stubbornly, traditional.
What really happened at the Annapurna Studios wedding
Most people think celebrity weddings are all about the guest list and the designer labels. While the guest list for Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya was definitely star-studded—think Allu Arjun, Mahesh Babu, and Ram Charan—the heart of the event was something else entirely. They chose Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad.
This wasn't just a random "cool" venue. It’s the legacy of the Akkineni family, founded by Chaitanya’s grandfather, the legendary ANR. Chay wanted to start this chapter of his life under the literal shadow of his grandfather’s statue. It’s kinda poetic when you think about it. The rituals didn’t wrap up in an hour for the cameras; they went on until 1 AM. We're talking serious Telugu Brahmin traditions, Vedic hymns, the whole nine yards.
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Sobhita didn't just go for a "trendy" look either. She wore a Kanjivaram silk saree with real gold zari. Later, she swapped into a simple white Ponduru khadi saree. If you know anything about Andhra heritage, Ponduru khadi is the real deal—it's about as rooted as you can get. Chay matched her in a traditional Pancha (a dhoti) and a Madhuparkam outfit, which was a direct nod to how his grandfather used to dress.
Why the "Homegrown" vibe mattered
- The Pasupu Danchadam ceremony: This is where they crush turmeric. Sobhita did this in her hometown of Vizag. It’s a messy, beautiful, family-only ritual that marks the start of the wedding festivities.
- The sentimental venue: Using a film studio for a wedding sounds flashy, but for Chay, it’s home. It’s where his family history is literally written in the walls.
- The guest list reality: Despite the big names like SS Rajamouli and Nayanthara showing up, the family kept the vibe intimate. They actually asked people not to leak details because they wanted to just be there.
The timeline that confused the internet
People love to speculate. They started connecting dots back in 2022. There were "leaked" photos from a restaurant in London and a wine-tasting session in Europe. For two years, they basically said nothing. Chay once mentioned in an interview how frustrating it was that his personal life made bigger headlines than his movies, like Thandel or his OTT show Dhootha.
Then, out of nowhere on August 8, 2024, at exactly 9:42 AM, they got engaged. Nagarjuna, Chay’s dad, was the one who broke the news. He seemed more relieved than anyone. He called it "a beginning of infinite love."
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Sobhita later admitted in a chat with Galatta India that she didn't feel the need for "embellishments." To her, the moment was perfect because it was simple. She’s often seen as this "cool, hip city girl" in Mumbai, but Chay loves that she’s deeply rooted in her Telugu culture. That contrast is basically what makes them work.
Moving past the "dealbreakers"
A lot of the chatter around Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya inevitably brings up Chay’s past. His divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu in 2021 was a huge cultural moment in India. But if you look at how Sobhita approaches relationships, it’s refreshing.
She’s gone on record saying she has "no dealbreakers." She doesn't view relationships as a checklist of approvals or rejections. Instead, she looks for humor and "moments of lightness." It’s a very grounded way to look at a high-profile marriage.
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Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Observers
If you’re following this couple, there are a few things to keep in mind about how they handle their public image:
- Value the "Pockets of Time": Both actors are incredibly busy. Chay is busy with his cloud kitchen businesses (Shoyu and Scuzi) and his film career, while Sobhita has a packed slate. They’ve mentioned they plan their schedules months in advance just to find "little pockets" to chill together.
- Culture is the Anchor: Their wedding proved that you don't need a destination wedding in Italy to be "classy." Honoring your roots—whether it’s through a specific type of khadi or a family-owned venue—creates a much more lasting memory.
- Privacy is a Choice: You don't owe the internet a play-by-play of your life. By keeping quiet for two years, they managed to build a foundation that wasn't dictated by Twitter trends.
Now that they’ve celebrated their first year of marriage, the focus has shifted from "are they together?" to "what’s next?" They’ve already started planning their lives around each other's professional commitments, proving that even in the chaos of the film industry, you can make a marriage work if you're clear-headed about it.
Keep an eye on their upcoming projects, but don't expect a constant stream of "couple goals" posts. They’ve shown us that the most meaningful moments usually happen when the cameras are turned off.