From Divorce With Naga Chaitanya To Health Issues: Samantha Shares Year of Struggles

Samantha has opened up on her health issue and the "extremely difficult year" before she was diagnosed with myositis, a rarely-encountered medical condition characterized by inflammation affecting the muscles.

In the first episode of her health podcast series on her YouTube channel with Alkesh, she said, "I remember specifically the year before I had this problem, it was an extremely difficult year for me. I specifically remember the day that I think my friend/partner/manager Himank, and I were traveling back from Mumbai. And this was in June of the year before last, and I remember telling him that finally I feel calm. I haven't felt a little relaxed and a little calm in a very, very long time. And I finally feel like I can breathe and I can go to sleep, and I can now wake up and focus on my work and be the best that I can be at work. And I woke up with this condition."

She added, "The reason I wanted to do this podcast was because after the experience, the harrowing experience that I've been through and well, an autoimmune condition is lifelong, so with what I'm dealing with right now as well, I'd rather want people be safe than sorry."

In 2021, both Samantha and Chaitanya announced their separation. "To all our well-wishers, after much deliberation and thought, Chay and I have decided to part ways as husband and wife to pursue our own paths.

We are fortunate to have a friendship of over a decade that was the very core of our relationship which we believe will always hold a special bond between us. We request our fans, well-wishers and the media to support us during this difficult time and give us the privacy we need to move on. Thanking you for your support," read the statement.

The romantic journey of the ex-couple began on the sets of 'Ye Maaya Chesave' back in 2009. Although their friendship blossomed over the years, it wasn't until 2014 during the filming of 'Autonagar Surya' that they officially started dating. Their affection for each other was evident as they were frequently seen enjoying outings together. After two years of togetherness, the actress publicly acknowledged her relationship with Chaitanya. Finally, in 2017, they sealed their love with a beautiful wedding ceremony in Goa.

In 2023, the actress revealed that she was diagnosed with myositis.

On the work front, Samantha, who was last seen in Vijay Deverakonda's 'Kushi', will be next seen in the first Indian instalment of 'Citadel'. She will be part of a foreign film titled 'Chennai Stores'.