Samantha Ruth Prabhu receives applause from ex-mother-in-law; internet goes gaga

Samantha Ruth Prabhu parted ways with Naga Chaitanya in 2021

In a surprise moment that left fans choked in emotions online, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amala Akkineni graced the stage together for the first time following Samantha’s separation from Naga Chaitanya. And when they came together for the Zee Telugu Award recently, it was the biggest public spectacle after their divorce.

A promo of the show, now going viral, shows Samantha stepping onto the stage in a beautiful yellow saree. She also thanked the Telugu audience for constantly being an anchor to lean on throughout her 15-year career in the film industry.

Proudly, beside Samantha, she clapped warmly, smiling through the actress’s heartfelt speech. The visual sent fans aflutter, with many noting the grace, love and mutual respect the moment exuded.

One fan wrote, “Nagarjuna Wife claps.” While another added, “How beautifully Amala appreciate." Others also remarked on the significance of the two women occupying the same space publicly, for the first time since the very public break.

Samantha and Naga Chaitanya’s love story

Samantha and Naga Chaitanya, popularly known as #ChaySam, dated for years before getting married in 2017. But after four years of marriage, the couple revealed their split in October 2021. In their joint statement at the time, they asked fans for privacy as they move forward in different ways.

In an interview last year, Samantha discussed that phase of her life, explaining how emotionally taxing it had been — and the year leading up to her diagnosis of myositis, especially. She revealed a brief instance of respite weighed with a harrowing twist as her woes began when she developed her worrying health issue, in a twist to her tumultuous personal life.

Also Read: Bhabiji fame Nehha Pendse shines bright at Cannes 2025 in glamorous black debut

Current relationship buzz

Samantha, on the other hand, has been making headlines for her alleged relationship with director Raj Nidimoru, but she has not opened up about it. On the other hand, Naga Chaitanya is rumoured to be in a relationship with actress Sobhita Dhulipala.

They both (Samantha and Chaitanya) never spoke about their personal lives (despite issues in their lives) and are busy with their respective careers.

As for that Zee Telugu Awards moment, fans witnessed not just a surprise meeting but a graceful and dignified exchange of mutual admiration, which turned the relationship they had into one where respect can withstand, even after relationships change.