Samantha’s Hyderabad career post-divorce Rumours swirl
Lakshmi revealed that Samantha, despite being highly talented and eager to work, faces hesitation from filmmakers who fear possible backlash or strained industry dynamics due to her separation from her superstar ex-husband, affecting her career opportunities.
Hyderabad: Lakshmi Manchu, daughter of legendary actor Mohan Babu, has long been known for her fearless candor and refusal to play safe in an industry where diplomacy often overshadows honesty. Whether on social issues or industry practices, she has never shied away from speaking her mind. Now, during the promotions of her upcoming thriller Daksha: A Deadly Conspiracy, Lakshmi once again created a stir with her forthright remarks, this time touching upon the struggles of women in cinema.
In a recent conversation with Great Andhra, Lakshmi spoke passionately about the gender imbalance in the Telugu film industry. “For men, life goes on. But for women, marriage and divorce change everything,” she said, reflecting on how actresses are often judged by their personal lives rather than their talent. She went on to reveal that a superstar’s ex-wife has been quietly sidelined in Tollywood after her divorce.
“There is a superstar’s ex-wife who works here. to name her.”
Her comments sparked speculation almost immediately. When the interviewer suggested she might be referring to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Lakshmi refused to confirm. “You’re thinking it’s Samantha,” she said, smiling. I am close to all of them. My point is, women are never given freedom. We have to take it.”
Is It About Samantha?Despite Lakshmi’s reluctance to name names, many drew connections to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, one of the most celebrated actresses in South India. Samantha married actor Naga Chaitanya, son of superstar Nagarjuna, in 2017. The marriage ended in 2021, shocking fans across the country who had idolised them as one of Telugu cinema’s most adored couples.
Post-divorce, Samantha faced not just the emotional toll of separation but also a new health battle. She revealed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with myositis, an autoimmune condition that left her physically exhausted and forced her to take breaks from acting. Yet, despite these struggles, she showed resilience, continuing to work in films like Shaakuntalam and Kushi (2023).
Samantha also made waves on the digital front. After playing a powerful role in The Family Man 2, she took on a global project with Citadel: Honey Bunny in 2024. Now, she is gearing up for Raj & DK’s ambitious Netflix series Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom. But notably, she has not signed any new big-budget films in Telugu or Tamil cinema since her divorce—something Lakshmi’s comments indirectly alluded to.
The Industry BiasLakshmi’s words resonate because they highlight an uncomfortable truth about the entertainment industry. While divorced male actors continue to get film after film, women often face subtle, unspoken restrictions. Filmmakers hesitate, fearing backlash from powerful ex-husbands or from entrenched industry politics. Even successful actresses find themselves pushed to the margins, with whispers about their personal lives overshadowing their professional credentials.
Samantha’s situation—whether or not Lakshmi meant her specifically—reflects this reality. Despite her immense popularity, box office pull, and versatility as a performer, her post-divorce career in the South appears quieter compared to her earlier dominance.
Lakshmi’s StandLakshmi Manchu’s willingness to raise the issue openly gives it weight. She herself has navigated challenges as a woman in the industry and has repeatedly used her platform to call out double standards. “No one gives us freedom,” she told the interviewer. “We have to take it.”
Her words echo the lived experiences of many actresses who, unlike their male counterparts, cannot easily separate their personal and professional identities in the public eye. For Lakshmi, speaking about it during her own film promotions was a deliberate choice—an effort to push the conversation beyond gossip into a larger discussion about systemic inequality.
Samantha’s Quiet StrengthMeanwhile, Samantha continues to handle her journey with remarkable grace. Rather than addressing speculation, she has focused on her craft, health, and new opportunities. Through social media, she often shares glimpses of her recovery, her fitness journey, and her efforts to stay positive despite setbacks. For fans, her openness has only deepened admiration.
Her upcoming projects in digital streaming hint at a deliberate shift—choosing meaningful, high-quality content over sheer quantity. Industry insiders believe she is carving out a new path, one less tied to old politics and more aligned with global opportunities.
The Larger PictureLakshmi’s remarks may have been brief, but they touch upon a much larger debate: how should the film industry treat its women, especially after marriage or divorce? Why should their personal choices dictate their professional futures?
For now, the speculation around whether she was speaking about Samantha will continue. But what cannot be ignored is the larger truth her comments spotlight: that the road for women in cinema remains far more challenging, and that until the culture shifts, even the most talented stars risk being sidelined.