Samantha Ruth Prabhu was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to a Telugu father and a Malayali mother. Growing up in a modest family, she faced financial constraints early on, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination to succeed. Her early life experiences played a pivotal role in shaping her grounded personality.

Samantha received her education at Holy Angels Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School and later pursued a degree in commerce at Stella Maris College, Chennai. To support herself and her family during her college years, she took on part-time modeling assignments. This early exposure to the world of glamour eventually paved the way for her entry into the film industry.

Samantha made her acting debut in Gautham Vasudev Menon's Telugu romantic drama 'Ye Maaya Chesave', alongside Naga Chaitanya. This film was a critical and commercial success, launching her career and earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Actress – South. It also marked the beginning of her association with the prestigious Menon, a collaboration which would later feature her in the Tamil version too.

S.S. Rajamouli's fantasy action film 'Eega' (also known as 'Naan Ee' in Tamil) became a turning point in Samantha's career. Her portrayal of Bindu, a micro artist avenging her lover's death with the help of a reincarnated housefly, garnered widespread acclaim. The film's pan-Indian success brought her national recognition and solidified her position as a versatile actress.

During this period, Samantha delivered a string of successful films in both Telugu and Tamil, showcasing her versatility across genres. Notable projects include 'Attarintiki Daredi', 'Manam', 'Kaththi', and 'Theri'. Her ability to portray diverse characters with ease and conviction made her one of the most sought-after actresses in the South Indian film industry.

Samantha married actor Naga Chaitanya, her co-star from 'Ye Maaya Chesave', in a beautiful ceremony in Goa. Their marriage was a celebrated event in the South Indian film industry, uniting two prominent film families. The couple were fondly known as 'ChaySam' by their fans.

Samantha delivered a powerful and critically acclaimed performance in Sukumar's period action drama 'Rangasthalam'. Her portrayal of Rama Lakshmi, a village belle, showcased her acting prowess and earned her numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu.

Samantha proved her mettle in a female-centric film with 'Oh! Baby,' a Telugu fantasy comedy. The movie, where she portrayed a 70-year-old woman who magically transforms back into her 24-year-old self, was a huge commercial success and established her as a bankable solo star.

Samantha and Naga Chaitanya announced their separation, bringing an end to their four-year marriage. The announcement came as a shock to fans and the film industry. Samantha faced intense scrutiny and online negativity during this difficult period. Despite this, she maintained her professionalism and continued to focus on her career.

Samantha made her digital debut with the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime Video series 'The Family Man 2'. Her portrayal of Raji, a Sri Lankan Tamil rebel, was highly praised for its intensity and authenticity. This role marked her foray into the Hindi entertainment industry and earned her widespread recognition across India.

Samantha revealed that she had been diagnosed with Myositis, an autoimmune condition, and has been undergoing treatment. Despite the health challenges, Samantha continued to work, starring in projects like 'Yashoda' and 'Shaakuntalam'. Her openness about her condition has garnered respect and admiration from fans, showcasing her courage and determination to overcome adversity. She is actively involved in raising awareness about the condition.