Citadel: Honey Bunny, the high-octane action series starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan, is currently streaming on Prime Video. The show has received widespread praise, especially for Samantha’s portrayal of a spy with a complicated past, fighting to protect her daughter. However, behind the scenes, Samantha’s journey to completing the show was fraught with personal challenges, as she was diagnosed with Myositis, a rare autoimmune condition that left her physically drained.
Despite nearly giving up on the role due to her health, Samantha’s determination to push through and complete the series has become a story of resilience and inspiration. Reflecting on this difficult period, she shared her emotional journey during an interview with Hollywood Reporter India.
Samantha, known for her unwavering determination, explained, “I’m a stubborn person, and when I believe everything is over, it’s impossible to convince me otherwise.” She continued, “Growing up, I always made my own decisions. I’ve made my own mistakes and learned from them. I didn’t have many mentors or people I could trust. I was convinced that, in my condition, there was no way I could get in front of a camera. I thought it was impossible.”
However, Samantha credits the Citadel team for motivating her to push forward. “What they did was incredible,” she said. “They helped me trust them when I didn’t believe in myself. I’ve never been in a position where I’ve put myself in someone else’s hands like that.” She thanked the team for their constant support, adding, “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have had anything to fight for. They gave me the motivation to get healthier again.”
Her co-star, Varun Dhawan, who witnessed Samantha’s struggle firsthand, was full of admiration. He recalled two poignant incidents during filming. “There were moments when my heart sank,” he admitted. “I remember one day, Samantha just shut her eyes and said, ‘It’s one of those days.’ After a while, an oxygen tank was brought in, and she had to take oxygen on set.”
Varun continued, “She didn’t have to continue, she could have taken the day off. But she kept going. That’s true commitment.”
Another intense moment occurred while filming in Serbia. Varun recalled how Samantha collapsed after running behind him during a scene. “I caught her and immediately went to our director Raj. I was ready to pack up, but they reassured me and said she’d be fine. I didn’t know what to do.”
Director Raj also recalled the harrowing moment when Samantha, struggling with cramps, collapsed after completing a shot. “She had to be carried off set,” Raj said. “But even in that state, she insisted on continuing, and I was in awe of her determination.”
Varun concluded, “That was the only time I saw her break down. But her strength inspired all of us. Watching her push through gave me so much power and positivity. It taught us all something about resilience and never giving up.”
Samantha’s journey on Citadel: Honey Bunny is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, and her performance continues to inspire audiences worldwide.