Nayanthara, a prominent figure in South Indian cinema, opened up about her personal and professional journey in her new Netflix documentary, “Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale.” This documentary not only highlights her successes but also delves into her past relationships, notably her experience with actor and filmmaker Prabhu Deva, who influenced her decision to step away from acting during their relationship.
Relationship with Prabhu Deva: A Forced Break from Acting
The documentary unveils that her decision to leave the film industry was motivated by a condition set by her then-boyfriend, Prabhu Deva, who asked her to quit acting if they were to marry. Without directly naming him, Nayanthara stated, “It was the man who told me to quit cinema. It wasn’t like I had an option. I was told to leave cinema, and I agreed.” Sri Rama Rajyam, in which she portrayed Sita, turned out to be her intended last film, leading her to believe she was ending her career with a magnificent role. Yet, as we know today, she has made a remarkable comeback in the industry after overcoming personal setbacks, including this difficult relationship.
Reflection on Trust and Personal Growth
Nayanthara also reflected on her earlier relationship with actor Silambarasan TR, sharing her experiences and revealing how easily she trusted people. “My first relationship was purely based on trust. The trust that the other person is in love with you,” she narrates in the documentary. She expressed regret about being at the center of public scrutiny concerning her relationships and commented on the societal tendency to blame women while men often go unchallenged.
The documentary captures her emotional turmoil during her hiatus, particularly during her breakup with Prabhu Deva. Nayanthara mentioned being in a ‘retirement stupor’, but was eventually uplifted by a phone call from actor Nagarjuna, reminding her of her capabilities and reigniting her passion for acting.
Rising Beyond Challenges
Despite facing significant challenges, including intense body shaming after her performance in “Ghajini,” Nayanthara demonstrated resilience. The documentary chronicles her journey from being criticized for her weight to confidently appearing in a bikini for her role in “Billa,” showcasing her dedication to challenging stereotypes about female actors in the industry. This transformation solidified her position as a formidable force within South Indian cinema.
Celebrating Love and New Beginnings
The documentary isn’t solely focused on the adversities Nayanthara faced, it also celebrates her long-awaited love story with filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. Their journey of love culminated in a dreamy wedding, marking the apex of a tale filled with hope and happiness after navigating her tumultuous past. The couple is now proud parents of twin boys, further emphasizing Nayanthara’s growth in both her personal and professional life.
Achievements and Legacy
The documentary also highlights her impressive two-decade career, capturing the moment she transitioned from a newcomer in the industry to a celebrated “lady superstar.” Nayanthara has repeatedly proven her mettle in a male-dominated industry, consistently pulling audiences and commanding leading roles in significant films across multiple southern languages.
The film, released to coincide with Nayanthara’s 40th birthday, pays homage to her journey, capturing her essence as a person and a performer. It reveals the struggles, triumphs, and the enduring spirit of a woman who has made substantial contributions to Indian cinema and has paved the way for future generations of female actors.
“Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale” not only highlights her dynamic career but also serves as a reflection on societal changes, gender roles, and the essence of true love, emphasizing that the narrative of a woman’s life is hers to reclaim and celebrate.
