Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has subtly yet significantly marked a new chapter in her personal journey. In a recent Instagram video, eagle-eyed fans noticed that her “YMC” tattoo, once prominently inked on her back in honor of her 2010 breakout film Ye Maaya Chesave, was no longer visible—confirming long-standing speculation that she has removed all tattoos associated with her former husband, actor Naga Chaitanya.
A Tattoo with Emotional Weight
The Ye Maaya Chesave tattoo, short for the title of her debut film, was more than just a career nod. It also symbolized the beginning of her relationship with Naga Chaitanya, her co-star in the movie. The couple began dating shortly after the film’s release and tied the knot in 2017. Their separation in 2020 and eventual divorce in 2021 marked the end of one of South cinema’s most talked-about romances.
Samantha had also sported other tattoos reportedly tied to Chaitanya, including:
A set of initials referencing his name.
A romantic phrase inked during their time together.
Over the past few years, fans have noted the gradual disappearance of these tattoos. Now, with the visible absence of the “YMC” tattoo, it’s clear she’s chosen to erase those permanent reminders from her skin.
“Never, ever get a tattoo.”
This isn’t the first time Samantha has addressed her ink. In a 2022 Instagram Q&A, a fan asked for her advice on getting a tattoo. Her reply was blunt:
“You know, the one thing I’d tell my younger self is never, ever get a tattoo. Never. Never ever. Ever get a tattoo.”
Her response, though humorous in tone, hinted at personal regrets likely rooted in how deeply intertwined her tattoos were with past relationships.
A New Era: “Nothing to Hide”
The tattoo revelation came during the announcement of her upcoming project, where she appears in a sleek promotional video walking toward the camera before writing “Nothing to Hide” across the lens. The phrase felt symbolic—not just for the project, but perhaps for her new outlook: transparent, unburdened, and unapologetically forward-looking.
Moving On, Professionally and Personally
Samantha is currently riding high on the success of her recent project, Citadel: Honey Bunny, opposite Varun Dhawan. She continues to draw praise for her versatility and resilience, especially as she balances a demanding career with recent health challenges and a very public breakup.
By choosing to remove the tattoos, Samantha has made more than a cosmetic change—she’s sent a quiet, confident message: she’s reclaiming her narrative, one decision at a time.
Related topics: