When we last met, it was in Hyderabad and the unassuming actor had surprised me with his understated charm and humility. He had arrived without the entourage and baggage we usually associate with a star or a star kid. That was one year ago.    

Today, I am back in Hyderabad for the grand opening of Tarun Tahiliani’s sprawling flagship Tasva store at Himayatnagar. In keeping with the collection that includes sherwanis, traditional kurta jackets, bundis—perfect for festivals and weddings—the event was baraat-themed. And who better to headline this than a real-life groom-to-be? Chaitanya Akkineni, who recently got engaged to Sobhita Dhulipala, made a show-stopping dramatic entry, and in a chariot, no less!  

It was in the heart of Hyderabad on this breezy monsoon evening that I got to experience the true stardom that the cheeky actor son of Nagarjuna enjoys. With bouncers and security guards struggling to contain the crowd and two police vehicles stationed nearby, there was nothing ‘understated’ about it. Braving the mob, when we finally found a quiet corner for a candid chat, this is what transpired. 

What according to you makes a modern urban groom?  
A modern urban groom, I think, the guy who, keeps cultural traditions intact, at the same time with a modern touch. For me, that is what a modern urban groom is about.  

If you had to plan a perfect wedding, a few things that would be on the checklist? 
The guest list, the venue. I would say the traditions too, making sure we’re touching all the right ones and not forgetting any, And the food, of course. 

What about the wardrobe, what should one keep in mind? 
See, I think usually, when it comes to weddings or any celebratory events, people tend to think that the more you do is better, but I think it's important to feel comfortable in what you're wearing and not have to overdo it. Sometimes just being simple, just wearing something that sits well on your body, that you're comfortable in, looks the best and feels the best. I think that's very important, not to overdo it. And, be in something that defines you.  

What kind of clothes do you want to wear for the wedding? 
No plans as yet, honestly, we have not planned it at all. We had a lovely simple engagement at home, just with our immediate family, what we're going to do for the wedding… we're still talking and figuring it out, but soon we'll have the plan.  

Trends or traditions, what do you prefer? 
I think it's a balance of both. Of course, the roots should always be from the traditions and the outer layer should be the trends. So, keep a balance of both.  

What’s a current wedding trend that you dislike? 
I think that when it comes to weddings or such events, people tend to overdo it; go beyond what's needed, and it becomes very loud. Just be comfortable in whatever you're wearing,  

What’s the best thing about Sobhita? 
The best thing about Sobhita, I think, she's got a beautiful, cultural, traditional side to her on the inside, and she's got this, great modern touch to her, so it's this great combination that she has. 

What are the three components that make a good marriage?  
I would say it's understanding, patience and love.  

Talking about the other love of your life that is making news… you own Hyderabad Blackbirds, the city’s official team for F3R, F4 and IRL. And it finished second at the recently concluded Indian Racing League. Tell us something about that side of you. 
Racing has always been a passion from the time I was a child. Motorsport is something that I always keenly followed and enjoyed. And fortunately for me, I got this opportunity to be a part of the Indian Racing Festival, the Hyderabad Blackbirds team as a team owner. The season has just started. And I’m really looking forward to the race. I understand the world of motorsport. I understand what goes on behind the driver, and what goes on behind the team, so yeah, it feels like home for me. I guess it's all hands in and I'm enjoying every moment.  

How did your love for motorsports begin? 
I think it's from when I was at a very young age. Where I lived in Chennai while growing up, was very close to the racetrack. I spent a lot of time there and I think it just grew on from there.  

So, if not an actor, would you have taken racing as a profession? 
Acting is still my first love. I can't see myself being anything else apart from an actor. So yeah, I would probably love to do a film on racing as an actor. 

How do you see the future of motorsports in India? 
I feel racing is still a niche as a sport in India. It’s understood by very few people. Of course, cricket, football, kabaddi, these are the sports that are on the top, because that’s what our people have grown up with and have been watching over the years. So racing, I'm not sure how many people would connect, but I'm sure there will be a day. More and more people are watching Formula One and there is a better understanding and awareness about the sport. So, I think eventually a few years down the line, it is going to grow. 

Now, let's talk a bit about your first love. When we had last met, you had claimed that instead of being called a pan-Indian star, you’d rather be known as the characters you play. But stars are known by their names—that’s part of what makes them ‘stars’… 
In a way, I want ‘Chaitanya’ to be connected with a reputation that he tries different characters, that he keeps pushing himself with every film and fit into any kind of character—he can truly own and fit into it. I definitely want to be known more as an actor than as a star, or as ‘Chaitanya’ himself. 

But mass cinema still needs stars…it needs that larger-than-life personality. How do you see that?  
Even if it's a larger-than-life character or what you call the typical commercial hero or star that we see a lot in South Indian cinema, they're still playing characters, and those characters also are very difficult to play. I feel commercial cinema is as much or even more challenging than, cinema that's non-commercial. Yeah, just because it's a commercial cinema doesn't mean the actors are not getting into the role.  

How difficult it is to find the balance between being a star and an actor?  
It's a tricky balance because you can go over the line in either way. It could change the whole dynamic of how you're perceived. I think striking the right balance is actually what takes you into the people more and more.  

Do you think the language barrier is slowly diminishing opening up opportunities in other industries as well? 
Absolutely. I think the language barrier has definitely, pushed the envelope in terms of how far our content goes, because people have also gotten used to watching dubbed films. That's what's happened through COVID. We now watch content from so many different languages. So yeah, it's helped us a lot. Our work is getting so much more exposure and it's such an exciting time to be in this industry.  

What are your Bollywood plans?  
I'm open to listening to scripts from Bollywood. Always keep a lookout. I'm always meeting filmmakers, so yeah, nothing confirmed as such as of now, but always keeping a look out. 

Would we ever see you shift completely to Bollywood?  
No, this is home. Hyderabad is home for me. Wherever I work, I will want to come back here.