Samantha Ruth Prabhu's powerful speech sparks surprising reaction from ex-mother-in-law. Watch video

Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amala Akkineni came together on stage for the first time since Samantha’s divorce from Naga Chaitanya, creating a moment that deeply moved fans. The two appeared at the Zee Telugu Awards, where Samantha was honoured for completing 15 years in the film industry. This reunion was particularly significant as Samantha had maintained a distance from the Akkineni family since the separation in 2021.

Amala Akkineni, who is married to actor Nagarjuna and is the stepmother of Naga Chaitanya, was seen clapping and smiling during Samantha’s speech. This public display of appreciation from Amala stood out, considering the sensitive history between the families. As seen in the event’s promotional clip shared by Zee Telugu, Samantha appeared in a yellow saree and looked visibly touched while addressing the audience.

Samantha Thanks Telugu Audience
Samantha used the platform to thank the Telugu film audience, reflecting on her journey. “Telugu industry has given me everything. I promise to always put the Telugu audience first. Thank you.” Her words were met with a loud round of applause, including an emotional response from Amala. The clip quickly gained traction online, with fans reacting to the unexpected yet heartwarming interaction.

“Nagarjuna's wife claps,” one user wrote with a surprised emoji. Others noted how gracefully Amala acknowledged Samantha’s success, calling it a beautiful and respectful gesture.


Separation from Naga Chaitanya and Aftermath
Samantha and Naga Chaitanya tied the knot in 2017 after years of dating. The couple held two wedding ceremonies in Goa to honour both their Hindu and Christian backgrounds. However, the marriage ended in 2021 after four years. They issued a joint statement requesting privacy as they moved forward separately. The split, one of the most talked-about in South Indian cinema, drew both support and criticism.

In a candid interview last year, Samantha discussed the difficult period leading up to her diagnosis of myositis. She shared how the year before her health issues began was filled with emotional turmoil. Recalling a moment in June of the previous year, she said she had just started to feel calm when her condition emerged, disrupting what she had hoped would be a period of recovery and focus.

Public Reaction and Current Lives
The sight of Amala clapping for Samantha sparked admiration across social media platforms. Many praised the mutual respect displayed, especially given the public nature of Samantha and Naga Chaitanya’s past. “How Amala appreciates,” wrote one fan. Another echoed similar sentiments, noting the rare dignity in their shared presence.

Currently, Samantha is speculated to be in a relationship with director Raj Nidimoru, while Naga Chaitanya is rumoured to be with actress Sobhita Dhulipala. Despite ongoing rumours, both have chosen to remain silent about their personal relationships and continue to focus on their careers.