(Image source from: Instagram.com/samantharuthprabhuoffl)

Actor and businesswoman Samantha Ruth Prabhu talked about being true to herself, open, and driven in an industry that focuses heavily on perfection during the NDTV World Summit 2025 session called "Authenticity: The New Fame." When questioned if actors can genuinely be real on camera, Samantha replied, "I believe that authenticity isn't a final goal - it's an ongoing journey. I don't have everything figured out, my life isn't perfect, but I can still share my thoughts. I am not flawless; I might make errors, I might trip up, but I am working on improving myself." She explained that her view of authenticity comes from her personal experiences, which have unfolded publicly. She said, "I discuss authenticity based on my own experiences. I can't say I understand another person's life. I can express my thoughts and keep it as genuine as I can. My life - anyone who has followed my path - knows about my private battles. The separation, the health issues - they have all been very visible. It has brought a lot of trolling and criticism; much criticism for being open and vulnerable."

She thought about how social media and celebrity culture have distorted what people think about success and happiness. "Everyone can see how the top 1% of the population lives - their houses, their yachts. Everyone can see that, and it can be very discouraging. You cannot possibly live that kind of life. It's essential now that we also act responsibly," she mentioned. For Samantha, having ambition isn’t just about seeking fame or approval; it’s about discovering significance. She shared, "I am ambitious, but that ambition should connect to a purpose. Ambition shouldn't just run aimlessly; it should come with a goal. It’s crucial for young people today to choose their mentors wisely - it can shape their entire life. I spent hours listening to podcasts and found mentors who changed my life's direction." She encouraged people in influential roles to realize the effects of their visibility, saying, "This is why more individuals in high positions must be very accountable."

Samantha linked her understanding of authenticity to her modest beginnings. She noted, "It's challenging. I had nothing; I came from a simple background. My family fought to afford food. There was fame, success, wealth, applause - I didn’t know how to handle it. Authenticity represents the essence of your upbringing. If you don't align with that upbringing, it can lead to significant confusion." Even with her great success, she confessed that it didn’t provide the satisfaction she anticipated until she discovered purpose in using her visibility to make a difference. "That level of success should have made me feel on top of the world, but it didn’t. When I began using that visibility to create value, that’s when I understood that I had found my purpose," she concluded.