If you only look as good as you feel, Samantha Ruth Prabhu is feeling good indeed. Over a workout session in Khar, she chats with Vogue India about breaking down and building herself anew.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu on status, scrutiny and starting over, “The past few years have been incredibly transformative for me. When you’re in the public eye, there’s always a fear of embarrassing yourself, of being cancelled, of being trolled. You’re constantly trying to guard your status because you’re so scared of losing it. Because when you fall, everyone watches, right? It’s public.”
On choosing vulnerability after heartbreak and her relationship with Raj Nidimoru, Samantha says, “When I went through a separation, I closed up completely. I didn’t think it would ever be possible to rely on someone else. Thankfully, I was vulnerable enough to accept that kind of love and friendship. And I’m a much better person because of the relationship I’m in. Because of the person Raj (Nidimoru) is. I met an old friend a few days ago and she sent me a voice note afterwards saying, ‘This is the first time in a long time that I feel like you’re not struggling to breathe.’ I’m not performing anymore.”
Speaking about her return to acting after a long break due to her health issues, Samantha says, “I’ve not had a film release in over two and a half years because of the break I took for my health. Yes, I’ve invested in many businesses and enjoy the entrepreneurial side of things, but acting is my first love so it feels great to be in front of the camera again.”
Vogue India March-April 2026 - Samantha Ruth Prabhu - Photographed by Bikramjit BosReflecting on her relationship with Raj Nidimoru that’s grown past the honeymoon phase, Samantha tells us, “Raj and I really are that irritating couple that does everything together. We work together, we play together, we work out together with Paridhi. And we love it. If I have to travel for even a day, I’m like… [pretends to swoon in distress.] I don’t think it’s a honeymoon phase. Too much time has passed for it to be that.”
On becoming a better actor with Raj Nidimoru, Samantha says, “As an actor, you want to get into the skin of the character on your own terms without worrying about whether the director will think you’re stupid or incapable. With Raj, it’s too late now. Even if I embarrass myself, he can’t leave me. Leonardo DiCaprio keeps on working with Martin Scorsese and his performances just keep getting more layered. I think I’m becoming a better actor because Raj is around.”
Words by Sadaf Shaikh
Photographed by Bikramjit Bose
Styled by Devanshi Tuli
