‘I was a tiny bit flattered’: Sobhita Dhulipala on how following Naga Chaitanya on Instagram sparked romance and the traits she loves in him; expert on modern romance | Feelings News
Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya’s love story is one that unfolded quietly, away from the glare of public scrutiny. Despite being one of the most talked-about couples, they have chosen to keep their relationship largely private, offering only rare glimpses into their bond.
But now, Sobhita has finally shared how it all began — through a simple Instagram Ask Me Anything (AMA) session. Recalling the moment that led her to follow Chaitanya back, she said in an interview with Vogue, “I was sifting through the questions (which she received during the AMA session) when I saw one that asked, ‘Why aren’t you following Chay Akkineni?’ I was like, ‘What?’ So I went to his profile and saw that he was following only around 70 people, including me. I was a tiny bit flattered, so I followed him back.”
What started as a digital connection soon turned into something deeper. Sobhita was drawn to Chaitanya’s passion for food — particularly sushi — given that he co-owns a pan-Asian cloud kitchen. Their conversations in DMs became more frequent, evolving into something meaningful.
Story continues below this ad
Eventually, in April 2022, Chaitanya took the leap and flew to Mumbai for their first breakfast date. Sobhita, who never expected to find love within the industry, was charmed his grounded nature. “The timing was just perfect. Before I knew him, I didn’t think he’d be so grounded. He’s perfectly content spending two hours cleaning his bike simply because he loves it. If he really likes something or someone, he finds joy in being completely devoted to it.”
She also described his simplicity as one of the traits she admires most, adding, “He’s also someone who genuinely believes in the beauty of life. No matter the inconvenience, the discomfort, or the disappointment life may throw at him, he’s always looking on the bright side.”
The power of dedication in romantic relationships
Sobhita Dhulipala has spoken about being drawn to Naga Chaitanya’s deep sense of devotion—whether it’s his passion for biking or his relationships. “Dedication fosters security and trust,” explains Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherap, The Answer Room. “When one partner is deeply invested, it signals reliability, making the other feel valued.” From a psychological perspective, dedication isn’t about grand gestures; rather, it’s the consency of small, everyday actions that reinforce emotional intimacy.
Attachment theory suggests that people feel safest in relationships where they consently see effort from their partners. In contrast, a lack of dedication can create insecurity, leading one partner to feel like they must compete for attention, which can breed resentment over time.
How do digital interactions shape modern romance
Sobhita and Naga Chaitanya’s connection began through social media before evolving into a real-world relationship. Digital interactions now play a crucial role in modern romance, but what makes them meaningful?Story continues below this ad
“Social media interactions trigger the same dopamine response as in-person connections,” explains Khangarot. “The act of being noticed — through a like, follow, or comment — activates reward pathways in the brain, making individuals feel valued.” However, for an online attraction to evolve into a deep emotional connection, authenticity is key.
While social media offers an initial window into a person’s interests and values, genuine compatibility is built through meaningful conversations and shared experiences. The challenge lies in dinguishing between curated online personas and true emotional depth. In Sobhita and Chaitanya’s case, their relationship moved beyond digital validation into something deeper, reinforcing the idea that social media can serve as a meaningful starting point for real-world intimacy — if approached with sincerity.
