Naga Chaitanya on divorce with Samantha Ruth Prabhu: "Why am I made to feel like a criminal?"

Naga Chaitanya has been at the center of gossip after his divorce from actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Recently the actor shared that he expressed his disappointment that their separation continues to be a "topic of gossip" more than three years after it occurred.Recently starring in the film 'Thandel,' the actor, during the Raw Talks With VK podcast, opened up about his divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu, addressing the persistent public interest in it.He shared that the decision to end their marriage, which was finalized after the couple, who married in 2017, announced their separation in October 2021, was a mutual one made after careful consideration and wasn't a decision taken overnight."We wanted to go our own ways. For our own reasons, we have taken this decision, and we respect each other. We are moving on in our lives, in our own way. What more explanation is needed? I don't understand."He also shared that he hopes that the audience and the media respect their privacy rather than it becoming a subject of "entertainment.". The actor expressed his frustration at being "treated like a criminal" for something that, while personal, is not uncommon. He said, "It's not like it's only happening in my life, so why am I treated like a criminal?"Chaitanya further explained that his background as "a child from a broken family" has made him particularly sensitive to the impact of divorce. "I will think 1000 times before breaking a relationship because I know the repercussions," he said. He stressed that the decision to part ways with Samantha was made "for the betterment of whoever was involved in that marriage."Naga Chaitanya also said, "I've moved on with so much grace. She has moved on with so much grace. We are leading our own lives. I have found love again. I am so happy, and we have so much respect for each other.".Chaitanya married actress Sobhita Dhulipala on December 4, 2024.In the past, Samantha has also spoken about the divorce, addressing what she described as "absolute lies" being spread about her. She has also discussed the stigma and shame often associated with divorce for women, noting how she was labeled "secondhand" and "used.". Samantha revealed she chose to "own it" and not let the negativity define her.