Nayanthara in the spotlight: 5 controversies that stirred headlines in her career

Over the years, Nayanthara has not only carved a niche for herself as one of South India's most successful actresses but has also remained in the public eye for reasons beyond her films. Dubbed the “Lady Superstar,” she has faced her fair share of controversies that sparked heated debates both online and offline. From personal relationships to religious choices and motherhood, Nayanthara's life has often been under intense scrutiny. Despite the storms, she has managed to maintain her stardom with grace and resilience. Here's a look at five major controversies that made headlines during her career.

Nayanthara’s relationship with Prabhu Deva became a huge controversy in the late 2000s. Since Prabhu Deva was married at the time, their affair led to public backlash and legal battles from his wife. Women's groups staged protests, urging Nayanthara to step away. Eventually, the relationship ended, but the public scrutiny lingered. It remains one of the most talked-about chapters in her personal life.

Nayanthara’s conversion from Christianity to Hinduism in 2011 drew both attention and controversy. Critics questioned whether the move was spiritual or strategically timed for her film career. Her marriage to Vignesh Shivan, done with Hindu rituals, reignited the topic. The actress has never publicly dwelled much on it. For many, the discussion still lingers as an open-ended debate.

In 2022, Nayanthara landed in trouble after being photographed wearing footwear inside the premises of Tirupati temple. Devotees and religious groups slammed the actress for disrespecting the sacred site. The controversy went viral, prompting legal notices and demands for an apology. Nayanthara later expressed regret over the incident. The issue resurfaced again during later temple visits.

Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan faced a storm after announcing the birth of their twin boys via surrogacy in 2022. Speculation arose about whether the process followed Indian legal guidelines, especially regarding timelines. The Tamil Nadu government even initiated a probe into the matter. The couple later clarified they registered their marriage legally well in advance. Despite the explanation, the controversy lingered online.

Reports of a rift between Nayanthara and Dhanush emerged in 2023 during the early planning of her Netflix wedding documentary. Rumors suggested that Dhanush was uncomfortable being featured in the project due to past personal ties. Industry insiders hinted at creative disagreements and lingering tension. While both parties stayed mostly silent, the buzz caught media attention. The documentary ultimately avoided mentioning their link.