Samantha Ruth Prabhu had to face public criticism after her divorce from Naga Chaitanya in 2021. In an interview, she recently opened up about being labeled as a divorced woman and dealing with societal stigma and the hurtful labels that come with it. She addressed the inappropriate comments she faced and how she ultimately chose to ignore and rise above them.
Rumors about Samantha and Naga Chaitanya’s split started when Samantha removed the surname Akkineni from her social media. The star couple announced their separation in October 2021. Fans were shocked to hear about the news just before their fourth anniversary. The divorce was confirmed the following year.
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Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently opened up on her plight after divorce
In an interview with Galatta India, Samantha was asked about the idea behind repurposing her wedding gown and turning it into a dress. The actor first talked about the divorce and said,
“When a woman goes through a divorce, there’s a lot of shame and stigma attached to it, I received comments like ‘second-hand’ and ‘wasted life’. You’re pushed into a corner where you’re supposed to feel like you’re a failure. You’re supposed to feel guilt and shame that you were once married and now you’re not and I do believe it can be really, really hard for families and girls who have gone through that.”
Samantha then addressed the question of why she repurposed her white wedding gown into a striking black dress for an event.
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She explained,
“The reason why I did that was because I wanted to, and initially, that hurt. It really hurt and then I decided to flip it and that I’ll own it. Yeah, I am separated and I am divorced. Things haven’t been a fairy tale but that does not mean that I sit in a corner cry about it and never ever have the courage to live again.”
Samantha further stated,
“It wasn’t any kind of revenge or anything. It really wasn’t a ginormous f*ck. Although it looked like it but it wasn’t. It was like, ‘Yes, this has happened and I know it and I’m not trying to hide from it. This is it, but it doesn’t mean that my life ends there.’ It begins where it ends. I’m very very happy right now. I have grown so much and I’m doing incredible work and I’m with incredible people. I’m looking forward to the next phase of my life absolutely”
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Naga Chaitanya is the son of superstar Nagarjuna, Samantha met Chaitanya on the sets of Ye Maaya Chesave in 2010. After dating for a few years they married in Goa as per traditional Hindu customs on 6 October 2017 and by Christian customs on 7 October 2017.
After his divorce from Samantha, Naga Chaitanya got engaged in August to actress Sobhita Dhulipala. They are all set to get married on December 4 at Annapurna Studios. In an interview with The Times of India, Chaitanya spoke about his marriage plans, he said that he is ‘looking forward’ to starting a new journey with Sobhita. Chaitanya and Sobhita dated for two years before getting engaged to her in August this year.
The social stigma faced by women after divorce
It often originates from ingrained gender biases and twisted societal norms. Divorced women are generally judged or labeled negatively, they often face isolation, loss of social status, and less support from their communities or families. They are often accused for the failure of the marriage, regardless of circumstances.
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These stigmas emphasize the need for societal awareness, acceptance, and support for women’s independence and well-being post-divorce.
What are your thoughts about the same? Let us know in the comments.
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