Hyderabad: Actor Lakshmi Manchu has stirred debate in Tollywood after her candid remarks during the promotion of her upcoming film Daksha: A Deadly Conspiracy. Speaking to Great Andhra, she criticised the industry for sidelining women after divorce, citing the case of a superstar’s ex-wife who, despite being willing to work, is not being offered roles.
Her comments quickly triggered speculation that she was referring to actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, although Lakshmi stopped short of naming anyone.
Lakshmi’s strong words on gender inequality
In the interview, Lakshmi called out the double standards in society and the film industry. She said:
“There is a superstar’s ex-wife who works here. She got divorced, and since then, even films that were once offered to her have been taken away. Oddu le amma, aina emana antaru emo (He might feel bad and say something), is what they tell her. She is waiting to do good work, and I don’t need to name her.”
When the reporter suggested she was clearly talking about Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Lakshmi avoided confirmation. “You’re thinking it’s Samantha. There’s not one superstar; around five to six of them have been divorced. And I am close to all of them. But my point is, a man will face something like that; his life will never change. But for a woman, once she marries, she has kids, has in-laws, she takes on a lot of responsibilities. No one gives us freedom; we have to take it on our own.”
Her remarks come amid her promotional campaign for Daksha: A Deadly Conspiracy, but have now shifted attention to larger questions of fairness in the industr
Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s journey post-divorce
Samantha, who made her debut with Ye Maaya Chesave (2010), rose to become one of South India’s most sought-after actors, working with leading stars such as Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, and Dhanush. She married Naga Chaitanya in 2017, but the couple divorced in 2021.
In 2022, Samantha revealed that she was battling myositis, an autoimmune condition. She was last seen in Shaakunthalam and Kushi in 2023, but has not signed any South Indian films since. Instead, she has shifted towards streaming projects, including Amazon Prime Video’s Citadel: Honey Bunny (2024) and the upcoming Netflix series Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom with Raj & DK.
Meanwhile, Naga Chaitanya remarried actor Sobhita Dhulipala in 2024. Samantha is now rumoured to be dating filmmaker Raj Nidimoru.
Industry reaction and public debate
Lakshmi’s remarks have sparked conversations online about whether the Telugu film industry indirectly sidelines female actors after marriage or divorce, despite their popularity or talent. Fans of Samantha were quick to rally behind her, pointing out her wide appeal and versatility.
At the same time, Lakshmi’s core argument—that women in the industry are unfairly judged and constrained by their marital status, while men continue unaffected—has resonated with many.
A wider industry issue
This is not the first time Lakshmi has spoken bluntly about gender bias. She has often criticised the hypocrisy in how actors are judged for their looks, age, or personal lives. In a recent incident, she slammed a reporter for questioning her wardrobe choices, retorting: “Would you ask this to Mahesh Babu?”
Her latest comments highlight the continuing challenges faced by female actors in Tollywood and beyond, particularly when it comes to navigating careers after marriage or divorce.