The romance between Akhil Akkineni Shriya Bhupal captivated fans in 2016, only to end abruptly months before their Italian wedding. As Akhil now marries Zainab Ravdjee, let’s revisit his first engagement to the fashion designer granddaughter of GVK Reddy.

Akhil Akkineni & Shriya Bhupal: Overview

Aspect	Details
Engagement Date	December 9, 2016
Relationship Duration	2 years
Age Gap	4 years (Akhil 22, Shriya 26)
Wedding Plan	May 2017 in Italy
Status	Called off early 2017
Shriya’s Background	Fashion designer, GVK Reddy’s granddaughter

The Grand Beginning

In December 2016, Nagarjuna’s younger son Akhil Akkineni got engaged to fashion designer Shriya Bhupal. The couple, dating for two years, appeared deeply in love. Shriya, founder of luxury brand “Shriya Som” and Parsons School of Design graduate, seemed the perfect match for the emerging Telugu star.

When Dreams Turned to Dust

The Akhil Akkineni Shriya Bhupal engagement shocked everyone when it was suddenly called off months before the May 2017 Italian ceremony. Wedding invitations were cancelled, and guests were informed not to travel.

Why Did They Split?

Reports suggest a major airport altercation created irreparable damage. Despite intervention from Nagarjuna and GVK Reddy, the couple remained firm on separation.

Age Concerns: At 22, Akhil reportedly developed cold feet. Sources told Times of India he felt too young for marriage.

Attention Issues: Shriya felt neglected as Akhil’s acting career demanded significant time and focus.

Career Pressures: Both faced crucial career stages—Akhil preparing for “Hello” and Shriya building her fashion empire.

Life After the Split

Shriya Bhupal relocated to the US, focusing on her fashion brand and designing for Tollywood celebrities. Akhil dove into films, achieving commercial success with “Most Eligible Bachelor” (2021). Their last public appearance was at Naga Chaitanya’s engagement to Samantha Ruth Prabhu in January 2017.

Akhil’s New Chapter

In November 2024, Akhil announced his engagement to artist Zainab Ravdjee, daughter of industrialist Zulfi Ravdjee. The Akkineni family warmly welcomed her, and the couple plans to marry in 2025.

The Akhil Akkineni Shriya Bhupal story reminds us that calling off an engagement is sometimes wiser than proceeding with doubts. Both moved forward successfully, focusing on their careers and finding new happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did Akhil Akkineni and Shriya Bhupal call off their engagement?

The engagement was called off due to multiple factors including Akhil’s young age (22), commitment concerns, and a reported altercation at Hyderabad airport. Despite family intervention, the couple decided to part ways amicably. Both prioritized their careers afterward, with Shriya moving to the US to focus on her fashion brand.

Q2: Who is Shriya Bhupal and what is she doing now?

Shriya Bhupal is a renowned fashion designer and granddaughter of industrialist GVK Reddy. She founded the luxury brand “Shriya Som” after graduating from Parsons School of Design, New York. Currently based in the US, she continues designing for prominent Tollywood celebrities and has established herself as a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry.