
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's Career Challenges Post-Divorce
In a recent interview, actor Lakshmi Manchu brought attention to a concerning trend in Tollywood, hinting that a superstar's ex-wife, likely Samantha Ruth Prabhu, may have been indirectly blacklisted following her divorce from Naga Chaitanya. While promoting her upcoming film, Lakshmi emphasized how societal pressures disproportionately affect women in the film industry.
During the discussion, Lakshmi pointed out that while a man’s career remains largely unchanged after a divorce, women often face significant hurdles. She stated, “There is a superstar’s ex-wife who works here. She got divorced, and since then, even films that were once offered to her have been taken away.” This points to an unfortunate reality where personal life events can overshadow a talented individual’s professional capabilities.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, once one of the highest-paid and most sought-after actresses in South India, has struggled to find work since her divorce in 2021. Initially rising to fame with her debut film, “Ye Maaya Chesave,” Samantha has worked alongside numerous big stars in both Telugu and Tamil cinema. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu, and Dhanush.
Since her separation, Samantha has faced challenges in securing roles, despite her talent. Lakshmi’s comments underscore a larger issue of gender disparity in the film industry, where a woman's worth can diminish following personal setbacks. As Lakshmi noted, “No one gives us freedom; we have to take it on our own.” This speaks volumes about the expectations placed on women, highlighting the need for change.
In addition to her personal struggles, Samantha announced in 2022 that she was battling an autoimmune disorder called myositis. She was last seen in the films “Shaakunthalam” and “Kushi” in 2023, and is yet to sign any new South Indian projects. However, she has upcoming work, including the 2024 Prime Video show “Citadel: Honey Bunny” and a Netflix series with Raj & DK titled “Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom.”
On the other hand, Naga Chaitanya has moved on and married Sobhita Dhulipala in 2024. Meanwhile, Samantha is rumored to be dating Raj Nidimoru. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will change, and whether Samantha will reclaim her position in Tollywood.