Nayanthara, often called the ‘Lady Superstar’ of South Indian cinema, is known for portraying strong, empowering roles on screen. However, her personal journey has also been a testament to resilience and transformation. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actress opened up about her career hiatus in 2011 and the relationship that influenced that decision.
In 2011, Nayanthara took a break from acting in South Indian cinema due to her then-relationship with choreographer and director Prabhu Deva. Reflecting on that time, she admitted, “I was in a phase where I believed that I had to compromise if I wanted love in my life. I was too vulnerable and young.” During this period, Nayanthara believed that love required sacrifice, even if it meant giving up her personal desires to please her partner. She witnessed various dynamics within the industry, including second marriages, and thought that to experience love, she needed to make those compromises.
However, as Nayanthara now reflects on that decision, she expresses gratitude for the lessons learned from that relationship. She credits it with helping her discover her true strength and capabilities. “If not for that particular relationship, I don’t think I would have found the strength to be what I am today,” she stated, adding that it transformed her into a “whole different person.”
Since then, Nayanthara’s life has taken a more positive turn. She met her now-husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, on the sets of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. Their relationship blossomed, and they got married in June 2022. In the same year, they welcomed twin boys, Ulag and Uyir, through surrogacy.
Nayanthara’s journey highlights the complexities of balancing love, career, and personal growth. It shows that relationships can shape us, but they don’t have to define us—self-discovery and empowerment come from within.