In 2022, actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu stunned her fans when she revealed that she had been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Myositis. This revelation prompted her to take a hiatus from films to prioritize her health. However, Samantha didn’t let her diagnosis hold her back. Instead, she took a courageous step forward to raise awareness about the disease.

Last year, Samantha was appointed as the brand ambassador for Myositis India, demonstrating her commitment to spreading awareness and supporting others affected by the condition. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2024, Samantha opened up about her decision to go public about her illness, revealing the challenges she faced.

“I was forced to go public about my disorder,” Samantha shared. “At that time, I had my female-centric film due for release, and I was very sick. It was hard, and I wasn’t ready. There were all sorts of speculation and misinformation being spread. The producers needed me to promote it, otherwise, the film would just die.”

Despite the difficulties, Samantha agreed to do one interview, even though she didn’t feel her best. “Obviously, I didn’t look the same,” she admitted. “I had high doses of medication to keep me stable. I was forced to. Given a choice, I wouldn’t have come out and announced it.”

Samantha’s journey as an actor and as a human being has been marked by evolution and growth. Early in her career, she struggled with anxiety and would often seek out negative articles and comments about herself online. However, she has since learned to overcome these challenges and focus on her own well-being and self-care.

Despite the initial backlash and criticism she faced, Samantha’s decision to share her story has helped raise awareness about Myositis and shed light on the challenges faced by those living with autoimmune conditions. Through her bravery and advocacy, Samantha Ruth Prabhu continues to inspire and empower others to face their own battles with courage and resilience.