Lakshmi Manchu, a prominent figure in the South Indian film industry, recently made comments about the impact of divorce on actresses, sparking widespread discussion. During an interview with Great Andhra while promoting her upcoming film, Daksha: A Deadly Conspiracy, set to release on September 19, 2025, Manchu addressed the disparity in how men and women are treated in the industry post-divorce.
Manchu recounted an incident where a reporter questioned her dressing choices, implying that her age (47) and motherhood should dictate her fashion sense. She challenged the reporter, asking if he would pose the same question to a 50-year-old actor like Mahesh Babu. This led to a broader conversation about sexism and ageism within the industry.
Expanding on the challenges faced by women, Manchu shared an observation about a "superstar's ex-wife" who experienced a significant career downturn after her divorce. According to Manchu, this actress, still active in the industry, had opportunities taken away from her because filmmakers feared upsetting her former husband. Manchu emphasized the unfairness of the situation, stating that a man would not face similar repercussions. She highlighted the double standards that exist, where women often bear more responsibility and have to fight for their freedom.
While Manchu didn't explicitly name the actress, her comments led to immediate speculation online. Many interpreted her statement as a reference to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who divorced actor Naga Chaitanya in 2021. However, it's important to note that this remains speculation, and Manchu has not confirmed or denied this connection.
Manchu's remarks have resonated with many, igniting conversations about the biases that female actors face, particularly after personal life changes like divorce. Her willingness to speak out against these inequalities has been praised by fans and industry observers alike. In February 2025, Manchu also addressed speculations about her own marriage with Andy Srinivas, clarifying that her husband was working abroad and their marriage was strong. She stated that they live their lives as they choose and are not concerned with others' assumptions.
