In a candid conversation, actor Sobhita Dhulipala opened up about her life and career following her marriage to Tollywood star Naga Chaitanya in 2024. She shared insights on maintaining a clear boundary between her professional endeavors and personal family life, highlighting a mindset that prioritizes harmony over conflict.
Sobhita Dhulipala's Perspective on Career and Family
Dhulipala, known for her role in Made in Heaven, addressed questions about the impact of marrying into a prominent family in the Telugu film industry. She emphasized that her career achievements have stemmed from her independent journey, separate from her marital connections. "It's only been a year since I got married, and my whole career and all of my work have come from my independent journey," she stated.
Separating Family from Industry
She elaborated on viewing her in-laws as family rather than an industry, saying, "Yes, I am married, and a part of a family that is an institutional legacy, but my work has been very separate. So I see them as family, not as an industry. For me, when I meet them at home, they are still like my family." Dhulipala acknowledged that this understanding might evolve in the future, but for now, she keeps her career and family distinctly apart.
Expert Insights on Balancing Ambition and Personal Life
Ashish Pillay, a psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, praised Dhulipala's approach as a model of self-awareness. He noted that she embraces ambition without letting it become rooted in ego or competition. "She understands that ambition can be deeply personal, and it doesn't always need to be broadcast or validated externally," Pillay remarked.
The Impact of Healthy Ambition
Pillay highlighted the positive effects of such humility in today's hustle culture, where consistency and presence are often undervalued. He explained, "Healthy ambition makes you come alive; it inspires you to grow, without losing your soul in the process. It allows room for gratitude, curiosity, and self-compassion." In contrast, he warned against toxic ambition, which can lead to burnout and insecurity.
Practical Tips for Work-Life Balance
To bridge conflicts between career and personal life, Pillay suggested:
- Spending quality time with family to learn valuable lessons.
- Celebrating effort and progress rather than just end results.
- Maintaining a steady, sustainable pace in professional pursuits.
Dhulipala's reflections offer a refreshing take on navigating the demands of a high-profile career while cherishing family bonds, serving as an inspiration for many striving to find equilibrium in their own lives.
