'It really hurt': Samantha Ruth Prabhu opens up about shaming after her divorce from Naga Chaitanya

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, celebrated for her stellar performances across various projects, recently opened up about the relentless trolling she endured following her divorce from Naga Chaitanya in 2021. In an interview, she was asked about her decision to transform her pristine white wedding gown into a striking black ensemble. The actress opened up about re-designing her dress and also addressed the harsh criticism and the slew of baseless rumours that were spread about her post her separation.

In an interview with Galatta India, Samantha Ruth Prabhu talked about how she opted to remain silent rather than directly addressing the lies. She was asked about the re-designing of her wedding dress. She responded to the question by pointing out the societal challenges that women often face, especially in patriarchal environments, where the fallout from a relationship is met with intense scrutiny. She pointed out that while both men and women face judgment, women are subjected to “shame” and “stigma”.

The Citadel: Honey Bunny star revealed how she has been called “second-hand”, “used” and “wasted life”. She also shared how false rumours circulated about her during her divorce, contributing to the online abuse she endured. Despite the lies, she was determined not to let them shape her identity. Reflecting on the tough times, she recalled moments when she felt the urge to publicly address the falsehoods and set the record straight, but chose not to.

Samantha’s wedding gown

Samantha transformed her original white wedding gown into a stunning black cocktail dress, giving it a bold and fresh look. The gown, which originally featured a white fabric and floral appliqué on the bodice, was reimagined in collaboration with designer Kresha Bajaj. The corset top was intricately hand-embroidered, while the gown's fabric was dyed black. Floral appliqué details were then added to the lower part of the dress. The outfit featured an off-shoulder neckline and a thigh-high slit. The revamped dress drew comparisons to Princess Diana's famous revenge dress, with many fans praising Samantha’s stunning transformation.

About Samantha and Naga Chaitanya

Samantha and Naga Chaitanya, who gained fame as co-stars in movies like Ye Maaya Chesave and Majili, got married in 2017 in a highly publicized ceremony. However, the couple announced their separation in October 2021. A couple of years after the divorce, Naga Chaitanya is now gearing up to tie the nuptial knot to actress Sobhita Dhulipala. The couple got engaged in August and is set to marry on December 4 at Annapurna Studios. Chaitanya had been in a relationship with Sobhita for two years before proposing to her earlier this year. Although they were often seen vacationing together, they only confirmed their relationship publicly after their engagement.