December 13, 2024: Nayanthara, fondly known as the ‘Lady Superstar’ in South India, recently shared insights about her past relationships, her decision to step away from films in 2011, and how she eventually redefined her perception of love and success. Now happily married to filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, Nayanthara revealed how her earlier experiences shaped her both personally and professionally.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Nayanthara opened up about her decision to quit films over a decade ago while in a relationship with Prabhudeva. “I was in a phase where I believed I had to compromise if I wanted love in my life. I was too vulnerable and young,” she said.
The actress explained that her understanding of relationships at the time was influenced by the dynamics she had observed in the film industry. “I genuinely thought that to have love, you needed to sacrifice. If your partner doesn’t like something, you should just let it go. That was my idea of love back then,” she elaborated.
Despite her commitment to leave the industry, her final project before quitting, Sri Rama Rajyam, made her realize how deeply filmmaking was ingrained in her identity. “It hit me hard that this is not just a profession for me. It’s a part of who I am. I was born to do this,” she said.
Although she stepped away from acting in 2011, the relationship eventually ended, prompting her to make a powerful comeback in 2013 with Greeku Veerudhu. From there, Nayanthara’s career soared, cementing her status as one of the most celebrated actresses in South Indian cinema.
Reflecting on her journey, Nayanthara credited her challenging past relationship for her growth. “That relationship put me through my worst phase, but it also brought out the best in me. It made me realize my strength and what I’m truly capable of,” she shared.
The turning point in her personal life came when she met filmmaker Vignesh Shivan during the making of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. Over eight years of dating, the couple built a strong foundation, culminating in their marriage in June 2022. Speaking about her husband, Nayanthara said, “The whole concept of love changed for me after meeting him. I now understand that unconditional love exists—you just have to find the right person.”
The release of their Netflix documentary, which explores Nayanthara’s career and personal life, has also resonated with many women. The actress shared how she received numerous messages asking, “Where did you find this guy?” Her response? “Don’t put nazar (evil eye)!”
Nayanthara’s story is a testament to resilience and self-discovery, showing that challenges can lead to growth and greater fulfillment, both in career and love.
