Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently recounted a poignant experience of having to pose with fans shortly after learning about her father's death, highlighting the unique demands and expectations placed on celebrities. Joseph Prabhu, Samantha's father, passed away in November 2024. The actress shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram with a simple message: "Until we meet again, Dad," accompanied by a broken-hearted emoji.
In a conversation with Galatta Plus, Samantha recalled the day she received the news of her father's passing from her mother while in Mumbai. She had to catch the first flight to Chennai. Numb with shock and grief, she found herself in a situation where fans, unaware of her tragedy, approached her for pictures. Understanding the connection she has with her fans, Samantha obliged, standing and smiling for the photos.
Samantha explained that she never says no to pictures because she recognizes that her fans are the reason for her success. She also acknowledged that it takes courage for someone to approach a celebrity for a photo, and she didn't want to upset them by refusing. "The thing is if you just say 'no', they don't know what state you are in… it takes a lot of courage to walk up to someone and ask them to take a picture with you. So I didn't want to say no and upset them,” she shared.
However, the experience brought a stark realization. As she smiled for the pictures, it struck her that "no normal person would be expected to smile on the day their dad died". This moment underscored the unusual reality of being a public figure, where personal grief often takes a backseat to public expectations.
Samantha's father, Joseph Prabhu, maintained a low profile throughout her career. Born to a Telugu Anglo-Indian father and a mother named Ninette Prabhu in Chennai, Samantha has two older brothers, Jonathan and David. In the past, Samantha had spoken about her "strained" relationship with her father and how she had to fight for his validation. She revealed that his protective parenting style and tendency to downplay her achievements led to her lifelong struggle for validation.
Despite their complex relationship, Samantha paid tribute to her father with a heartfelt note on Instagram following his death. In 2022, Joseph Prabhu reacted to Samantha's divorce from actor Naga Chaitanya by sharing throwback wedding pictures on Facebook with the message: "Long long ago, there was a story. And it doesn't exist anymore!! So, let's start a new story and a new chapter".
News of Joseph Prabhu's death prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow actors. Teja Sajja and Nithiin were among those who expressed their sympathies to Samantha and her family.
