Samantha Ruth Prabhu, one of the most accomplished actresses in the South Indian film industry, recently shared her personal experiences with societal pressures following her divorce from Telugu actor Naga Chaitanya. In an emotional interview with Galatta India, Samantha addressed the harsh judgments she faced post-divorce, including being labelled “second-hand” and “used,” revealing the deep-rooted patriarchy and sexism prevalent in Indian society.

“Divorce carries a lot of shame and stigma, especially for women,” Samantha confessed. “I get a lot of comments saying ‘second-hand’, ‘used’, or ‘wasted life’. Society pushes you into a corner where you’re made to feel like a failure just because you were once married and are no longer.” The actress expressed empathy for other women who face similar struggles, acknowledging how difficult it can be for families and women who have been through divorce.

Despite the negativity surrounding her, Samantha revealed that she has healed and is now in a much happier place. “I’m very happy right now. I’ve grown so much, I’m doing incredible work, and I’m looking forward to the next stage in my life,” she said, her voice filled with strength and conviction.

During the tumultuous period of her separation, Samantha faced constant misinformation and rumours, which tempted her to speak out. However, she resisted the urge to defend herself publicly. “Many things were said about me that were absolutely untrue,” she said. “There were times when I was so tempted to say, ‘This is not true, let me tell you the truth.’ But I held myself back.”

Samantha explained her decision to avoid engaging in the gossip, stating that even if she had shared her side of the story, it wouldn’t have changed the fickle nature of public opinion. “You tell your story, and people love you for a minute, but three days later, if you do something wrong, they’ll turn on you,” she explained. “I didn’t want that validation. I wanted to be okay with the truth being known only by my friends and family.”

Today, Samantha is focused on her career and personal growth, choosing peace over public validation. Her strength in navigating such a challenging chapter in her life has inspired many, as she continues to forge ahead with confidence and resilience.