Naga Chaitanya opens up on divorce with Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Naga Chaitanya, one of South India’s leading actors, has opened up about his divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu, confirming that she, too, has "moved on" in her life.

The actor expressed his disappointment that their separation continues to be a topic of gossip, even more than three years after it occurred.

His comments come amidst ongoing relationship rumours linking Samantha to Citadel: Honey Bunny director Raj Nidimoru.

During his appearance on the Raw Talks With VK podcast, Chaitanya shared, "I've moved on with grace. She has moved on with grace. We are leading our own lives. I have found love again and I'm so happy. We have so much respect for each other. It's not just happening in my life, so why am I treated like a criminal?"

Chaitanya further explained, "We wanted to go our own ways, for our own reasons. We respect each other. We are moving on in our own way. What more explanation is needed? I'm hoping the audience and media will respect that. We asked for privacy. But unfortunately, it became a headline and a topic of gossip."

Addressing their separation, he said, "It was a conscious decision made after much thought, with respect for the other person. I come from a broken family, so I understand the repercussions. I would think a thousand times before ending a relationship. It was a mutual decision." He concluded, "I feel bad it happened, but everything happens for a reason. You build yourself, keep progressing, and the right path will come."

Chaitanya defends Sobhita Dhulipala

Chaitanya also expressed his sympathy for his current wife, Sobhita Dhulipala, who has faced backlash due to online speculation about her role in his divorce. "I feel very bad for her. She doesn't deserve it. She came into my life in a very organic, beautiful way. We met through Instagram, and our relationship grew slowly from there," he said.

He clarified that Sobhita had no connection to his past with Samantha, describing her as a "true hero" for how she handled the public chaos.

Chaitanya also stressed that his decision to end his marriage was carefully considered and that he wanted to ensure it was for the best for everyone involved.

Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu married in 2017 and separated in 2021. In December 2024, Chaitanya married Sobhita Dhulipala. Following the wedding, they faced considerable online backlash, with some blaming Sobhita for their divorce.