As Naga Chaitanya prepares to wed Sobhita Dhulipala, a moment from April 2024 brings Samantha Ruth Prabhu into the spotlight for her remarkable take on sustainable fashion. The actress, known for her grace and style, made headlines when she repurposed her wedding gown, blending nostalgia with environmental consciousness.

Samantha wore the revamped gown to the Elle Sustainability Awards, sharing the story behind it on Instagram:

“The dress I am wearing today is a beloved gown that has been repurposed,” she wrote, turning her 2017 wedding gown into a symbol of transformation and sustainability.

by TOI Lifestyle Desk

Samantha collaborated with designer Kresha Bajaj, who shared a behind-the-scenes video of the gown’s makeover. The designer explained the process in an Instagram post co-created with Samantha:

“There are always new memories to be made. There are always new paths to walk. There are always new stories to tell. We loved working with Samantha, our muse, to help her create a new memory, and tell another story. Beauty is forever. And it can take on a new form every day.”

The Internet was quick to connect the dots, recognising the gown as the one Samantha wore for her wedding to Naga Chaitanya in 2017. The intricate beaded bodice and elegant design of the dress sparked admiration across social media.

Samantha and Naga Chaitanya, co-stars in films like Ye Maaya Chesave and Majili, were married in 2017 in a grand ceremony that captured national attention. However, the couple announced their separation in October 2021. By choosing to repurpose her wedding gown for an award show, Samantha signified moving forward while honouring her past, a sentiment that resonated with many fans.

The gown’s transformation sparked a wave of reactions online. One user commented, “It was her wedding dress, right? Great idea.” Others compared the repurposed gown to Princess Diana’s iconic “revenge dress,” with one saying, “Reminds me of Diana’s revenge dress. Revenge gown or something.”

Another user appreciated Samantha’s thoughtful approach, writing, “She could have easily dumped her wedding gown, but she instead chose to remodel and wear it. Such is life—you can’t move away from your past but move along with it and evolve.”

In her Instagram post, Samantha emphasised the importance of sustainability:

“We cannot ignore sustainability anymore. It’s now a necessity for the longevity of our planet. Repurposing my old clothes is one of many steps I am consciously taking to alter my habits and make my lifestyle more sustainable.”

She urged her followers to make small, consistent efforts toward sustainability, highlighting how every action, no matter how minor, contributes to a greater cause.

Samantha’s decision to repurpose her wedding gown wasn’t just a style statement; it was a call to action. Her choice reflected a shift in how we view fashion—not as disposable but as something that can evolve, just like life.

The reimagined gown symbolised transformation, not just of fabric but of mindset, urging others to find beauty in the past while embracing the future. Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s act of reusing her wedding gown stands as an inspiring example of how fashion can be both personal and purposeful.