When Anunay Sood confirmed his breakup with fellow travel creator Brinda Sharma in a quiet June 2024 Instagram Q&A, few expected it would be the last public chapter in his life. The Dubai-based photographer, whose cinematic mountain shots had earned him 1.4 million Instagram followers and three straight spots on Forbes India's Top 100 Digital Stars list, simply said their relationship had "irreconcilable differences." No drama. No blame. Just a quiet end to what fans had once seen as a dream partnership. Then, months later, news broke that Sood had died at age 32 in Las Vegas — and suddenly, everyone wanted to know what went wrong.
The Rise of a Digital Couple
Sood and Sharma’s story began not in a studio, but on a frost-covered ridge in the Indian Himalayas around 2018 or 2019. Sood, already a rising star with a signature style of misty alpine landscapes and drone-captured sunrises, met Sharma, who was working in a completely different field — one report called it "a completely different career," though no specifics were ever named. She tagged along on his trips. Then she started filming. Then she started editing. And before long, she wasn’t just his companion — she was his collaborator. By 2022, their chemistry was undeniable. Sood proposed in a video filmed under snow-laden peaks, the kind of romantic, high-altitude moment that travel influencers live for. The engagement post went viral. Fans called them "the perfect pair." Sharma’s own following began to grow, fueled by her candid behind-the-scenes moments and quieter, more reflective storytelling compared to Sood’s grand visuals. She wasn’t riding his coattails — she was building her own voice.The Quiet Breakup
Then, in June 2024, Sood posted a 12-minute Q&A. No fanfare. No tears. Just him, sitting in his Dubai apartment, answering questions about his work — and then, out of nowhere, one about their relationship. "It wasn’t perfect," he said. "We grew in different directions. There were things we couldn’t fix." He didn’t elaborate. No arguments. No cheating rumors. No financial disputes. Just "irreconcilable differences," as The Economic Times reported. The breakup was amicable, he added. They remained friends. Sharma didn’t respond publicly. Her Instagram stayed active — posts of solo treks in Nepal, quiet café moments in Lisbon, a single photo of a snow-capped peak with the caption: "Sometimes the best views come after you let go." Fans were stunned. Some speculated about burnout. Others whispered about creative differences. But no one had proof. And honestly? Maybe that’s the point. Not every breakup needs a villain. Sometimes, two people just stop fitting together — even if they still love each other.Death in Las Vegas
Less than six months after the breakup, news arrived that Sood had died in Las Vegas at age 32. Hauterrfly confirmed the news, but offered no cause. No accident. No illness. Just... gone. The travel creator community reeled. Memes turned to tributes. Instagram timelines flooded with his photos — the kind that made you pause mid-scroll and wonder how someone could capture light like that. His death resurrected the breakup conversation. Comments under old engagement posts read: "I hope they found peace." "I wish they’d stayed together." "They were too good for this world." Sharma didn’t post anything. Not a single word. But her feed quietly changed. More solo shots. Fewer mountains. More urban landscapes. A photo of a lone bench in a Paris park, captioned: "Some stories end. Others just change direction."
What Happened After?
No settlements were reported. No legal filings. No joint ventures dissolved. Sood’s content remains online — a digital archive of snow-dusted peaks and golden-hour valleys. Sharma continues to post, her audience growing steadily, now independent of his shadow. She’s no longer "Anunay’s girlfriend." She’s Brinda Sharma, travel creator, with her own brand, her own aesthetic, her own story. Their relationship lasted six years — from mountain meet to breakup to death. Three of those were engagement. The rest? A slow, quiet unraveling. No fireworks. No scandals. Just two people who once saw the world together, and then, one day, decided to see it apart.Why This Matters
Sood and Sharma’s story isn’t just about a breakup. It’s about the invisible labor behind influencer relationships. The curated perfection. The pressure to stay "on brand" even when your heart isn’t. The way social media turns personal grief into public spectacle. They were never just influencers. They were artists. And sometimes, art doesn’t survive the same way love does.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Anunay Sood and Brinda Sharma break up?
Anunay Sood cited "irreconcilable differences" in a June 2024 Instagram Q&A, but offered no further details. There were no public arguments, scandals, or financial disputes reported. Friends and fans noted they remained friendly after the split, suggesting their separation was quiet and mutual, likely stemming from personal growth in different directions rather than any single conflict.
How did Brinda Sharma transition into a travel influencer?
Sharma began as a non-creator working in an unrelated field when she met Sood during Himalayan trips around 2018–2019. She gradually became his frequent filming companion, then began editing her own footage and sharing behind-the-scenes moments. Her authentic, reflective style resonated with audiences, helping her build an independent following — especially after their 2022 engagement and eventual 2024 breakup.
What was Anunay Sood’s professional legacy?
Sood was recognized by Forbes India's Top 100 Digital Stars for three consecutive years, known for his cinematic mountain photography and travel vlogs. With 1.4 million Instagram followers, he became one of India’s most influential travel creators, celebrated for his dreamlike visuals of remote landscapes and his ability to turn ordinary treks into epic storytelling.
What happened to Brinda Sharma after the breakup?
Sharma continued posting on social media without public comment about the breakup or Sood’s death. Her content shifted toward solo travel, urban scenes, and quieter, introspective moments — signaling a move toward independence. Her follower count has grown steadily since 2024, and she now operates as her own brand, no longer tied to Sood’s legacy.
Why did Sood’s death bring renewed attention to their breakup?
Sood’s sudden death at 32 in Las Vegas — with no cause disclosed — triggered an outpouring of grief across the travel influencer community. Fans revisited old posts, speculating about unresolved emotions or missed chances. The fact that they’d broken up peacefully months earlier made the loss feel even more poignant, turning their quiet separation into a symbol of impermanence in digital lives.
Is there any update on the cause of Anunay Sood’s death?
No official cause of death has been publicly confirmed by authorities or family. Reports from Hauterrfly and Moneycontrol only state he died in Las Vegas at age 32, after June 2024. The lack of details has led to speculation, but no verified information has been released.