Samantha Ruth Prabhu, previously known as Akkineni, is a notable Indian actress in Telugu and Tamil cinema. Her acting journey began after modeling while studying commerce. She debuted in the Telugu film “Ye Maaya Chesave” in 2010, winning the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South. Notably, she won both Best Actress – Tamil and Best Actress – Telugu in 2012 for “Neethaane En Ponvasantham” and “Eega.”

She starred in blockbusters like “Dookudu” (2011), “Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu” (2012), “Attarintiki Daredi” (2013), “Kaththi” (2014), “Theri” (2016), “24” (2016), “Mersal” (2017), and “Rangasthalam” (2018). Her role in “A Aa” (2016) fetched her a fourth Filmfare Award. Performances in “Mahanati” (2018), “Super Deluxe” (2019), “Majili” (2019), and Amazon Prime Video’s “The Family Man” (2021) were highly acclaimed, earning her a Filmfare OTT Award. However, in 2023, “Shaakuntalam” and “Kushi” faced setbacks, impacting her career.

Beyond acting, Samantha hosted “Sam Jam” in 2020 and founded Pratyusha Support and Saaki World. Her marriage to actor Naga Chaitanya lasted from 2017 to 2021.

Samantha launched her film career with Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Telugu movie “Ye Maaya Chesave” (2010), also made in Tamil as “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa.” Her casting in August 2009 sparked anticipation due to the Menon-Rahman collaboration. The film, shot in India and the US, released on February 26, 2010. Samantha credited Menon for nurturing her acting, emphasizing naturalness on screen, even without dialogues.

She portrayed Jessie, a Malayali Christian in Hyderabad, in the romantic drama opposite Naga Chaitanya. Samantha’s performance earned acclaim, hailed as a “scene-stealer” and praised for her allure. Critics lauded her debut, noting her nuanced expressions. Her role garnered her nominations and awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South and the Nandi Special Jury Award.

In the Tamil version, she appeared in a cameo as an assistant director turned actress. Both versions soared commercially, elevating Samantha’s status. She further collaborated with Menon and Rahman in the music video for the World Classical Tamil Conference 2010 promotional song, “Semmozhiyaana Thamizh Mozhiyaam,” directed by Menon and composed by Rahman.

Commercial success and establishment in big-budget films (2013–2018)

Samantha’s film journey began with “Ye Maaya Chesave” (2010) in Telugu, also in Tamil as “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa.” Her casting in August 2009 fueled anticipation due to Menon-Rahman collaboration. The film, shot in India and the US, released on February 26, 2010. Samantha credited Menon for guiding her acting, emphasizing naturalness on screen, even sans dialogues.

Portraying Jessie, a Malayali Christian in Hyderabad, she earned acclaim for nuanced expressions. Her debut fetched awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South. Briefly appearing in the Tamil version, this success led to a collaboration in a music video directed by Menon and composed by Rahman.

Her subsequent works included “Baana Kaathadi” (2010) and “Moscowin Kavery” (2010). While “Baana Kaathadi” highlighted Samantha as a National Institute of Fashion Technology student, “Moscowin Kavery” garnered mixed reviews despite her lauded performance. She also appeared in “Brindaavanam” (2010), gaining recognition for her role despite limited screen time.

The big-budget Telugu film “Dookudu” (2012) with Mahesh Babu marked another success. Samantha’s performance received positive feedback, earning her a Filmfare nomination. Making guest appearances in Menon’s films, she starred in “Eega” (2012), praised for her role despite filming challenges. The film emerged as a commercial hit.

She headlined Menon’s trilingual film, “Neethaane En Ponvasantham” (2012), earning critical acclaim despite varied reactions to its Tamil and Telugu versions. Her portrayal led to multiple Best Actress awards, marking a successful year at various awards ceremonies.

Commercial success and establishment in big-budget films (2013–2018)

Post-2012, Samantha shifted to hero-centric movies. In “Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu” (2013), her smaller role showcased her versatility. “Jabardasth” (2013) faced commercial challenges but highlighted her growing skills. “Attarintiki Daredi” (2013) contributed to her success despite limited screen time.

In 2014, “Manam” (2014) presented her in a dual role, praised for her adaptability. However, films like “Autonagar Surya” (2014), “Alludu Seenu” (2014), and “Rabhasa” (2014) were critiqued for underutilizing her potential.

Her Tamil ventures, “Anjaan” (2014) and “Kaththi” (2014), received mixed reviews due to stereotypical roles. Yet, “Thanga Magan” (2015) marked a shift toward more substantial characters, earning positive feedback.

2016 saw Samantha’s Tamil triumphs in “Theri” and “24”, lauded for impactful roles. Her Telugu works, “A Aa” and “Janatha Garage”, showcased her talent, notably in the former, earning widespread acclaim.

“Mersal” (2017) bolstered her career as a top-grossing Tamil film. Subsequently, in 2018, “Rangasthalam”, “Irumbu Thirai”, and “Mahanati” triumphed, earning her acclaim for standout performances.

Her role in “U Turn” (2018) stood out with its unique script, showcasing her acting prowess distinct from previous roles.

Experimental roles and streaming projects (2019–present)

After acting in her first women-centric film U Turn, she is next starred in another women-centric film Oh! Baby released on 5 July 2019.Samantha next played the character of Janaki Devi in the 2020 film Jaanu, which was a remake of 2018 Tamil film ’96. The film received positive reviews with her performance receiving critical acclaim.

Samantha made her television debut in 2020 by hosting a special episode of the Telugu-language reality television series Bigg Boss 4.

In 2021, Samantha headlined the second season of Amazon Prime Video’s Hindi spy thriller streaming television series The Family Man alongside Manoj Bajpayee.In November 2021, she was cast in Chennai Story directed by Philip John and produced by Guru Films, marking her international debut.

In 2022, Samantha starred in the Hari–Harish directorial Telugu film Yashoda In 2023.  She appeared in mythological film Shaakuntalam, directed by Gunasekhar.