Chanel recently found itself at the center of controversy after dressing Telugu-origin model Bhavitha Mandava in jeans for the Met Gala, sparking a wider conversation about meaningful representation on the global stage. Amid the debate, Dubai-based influencer Srilata Addepalli posted a detailed video celebrating the strides made by Telugu women in the global spotlight, highlighting icons like Bhavitha, Sobhita Dhulipala and Raja Kumari as trailblazers who have broken barriers for their community. The video caught the attention of Raja Kumari herself, who responded to the tribute.
Srilata Addepalli on Telugu women breaking barriers
Srilata opened her video by drawing attention to what Bhavitha Mandava, Sobhita Dhulipala, Deepica Mutyala and Raja Kumari all have in common—not just their brown skin, but their shared Telugu roots. “And most importantly, these women chose paths that weren’t expected from someone coming from a Telugu middle-class family. And they still made it global, mind you,” she said. She then got personal, recalling how she herself was discouraged from pursuing modeling or entrepreneurship simply because it wasn’t considered something a Telugu girl would do. “Now that I see Bhavitha on a global platform, walking for Chanel. And then I also see Sobhita, who was a former Miss India Earth title holder, and then she went on to star in amazing series like Made in Heaven, walk on international red carpets. And then I thought, why not me?” she questioned.
Srilata Addepalli defends Bhavitha Mandava
She also gave a nod to Deepica’s groundbreaking work with Live Tinted, before turning her attention to Raja Kumari. “And then there’s Raja Kumari, someone who took her roots, her voice, identity her, and she made space for herself in the global platform at her own terms,” she said. She then carefully addressed the backlash surrounding Bhavitha’s Met Gala appearance, acknowledging the disappointment many felt while also urging people to see the bigger picture. “I would’ve loved to see a Telugu girl representation on a global platform in a more larger-than-life way. But let’s not reduce these women into one outfit or one appearance of just that one moment,” she said, making a measured and thoughtful appeal to those who had been quick to criticize.Wrapping up her video, Srilata made it clear that the women she spoke about are far more than just public figures, for countless women from Telugu families, they represent possibility, permission and proof that there is space for them too on the world stage.
Sobhita Dhulipala’s heartfelt response
Sobhita Dhulipala herself took notice of the video and left a comment that was nothing short of inspiring. Offering a piece of wisdom that felt deeply personal, she wrote, “Lean in to your essence, no matter what. My most meaningful moments have come when I did what my instinct told me to, even when it’s totally illogical or unproductive. And every single time I did something otherwise, only I know how it backfired. Honor yourself. This life is a short sail across the river, cherish the breeze and the current.”
Raja Kumari, Lakshmi Manchu and Deepika also responded
Lakshmi Manchu wrote, “I resonate with you so much. Here’s sending you alll the power baby girl! You got this. Ya man! Telugu girls REPRESENT,” while Raja Kumari commented, “Thank you for making me feel seen my Telugu sister. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.” Deepika also commented. “Can’t wait to see the magic you put into the world. You’ve got this xoxo,” she added.
filmmaker Manasa Sharma moved by the outpouring of support
The video and the responses it drew also moved filmmaker Manasa Sharma, who couldn’t help but share her emotions in the comments. She wrote, “This post! And the comments from all of them made me tear up and made me feel proud. All womens’ women. we all needed this to feel Good and smile big about ourselves. girls out there please take a moment and appreciate yourselves and what you too up in life. Be kind to yourself.”
