Samantha Breaks Silence on Past Endorsements: "I Made a Mistake, I Won’t Repeat It" (Image: Instagram/ samantharuthprabhuoffl)

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema, has always been admired not just for her on-screen performances but also for her candid approach to life.

In her recent podcast, the actor opened up about her journey with brand endorsements, the toll it took on her health, and why she has taken a strong stand against promoting junk food — even if it means walking away from multi-crore deals.

Known for her fitness routines, disciplined lifestyle, and outspoken nature, Samantha revealed that despite being the face of several major brands in the past, she no longer accepts endorsements that go against her values, particularly those that promote unhealthy eating habits.

“Over the years, I have given up about 15 brands and crores of rupees.” Now, if any kind of endorsement comes my way, I make it a point to check with at least three doctors before I even consider saying yes,” she said.

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Reflecting on her early years in the film industry, Samantha admitted to a mindset that many young people can relate to, thinking she was invincible.

“In your 20s, you have a lot of energy, and you eat all kinds of food and do everything you can. And you will think to yourself that it is all okay. But my hard experiences have taught me that this is not the case,” she shared.

She also confessed to not fully understanding the consequences of what she was putting into her body during those years.

“I thought whatever I ate in my twenties wouldn’t affect me. But I feel like the old me of today needs to apologise for what I did to my body,” Samantha added.

Samantha also spoke about how being approached by big brands was once seen as a mark of success — a sign that she had “arrived” in the industry.

“How many projects have come your way since you entered the industry? How many brands do you endorse? How many brands wanted you as the face of their product — that was considered a symbol of success,” she said.

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“So, when big brands were considering me as their face, I had nothing to ask them. I saw it as my reputation. Everyone told me this was proof that I was successful.” “All the endorsements you see on social media now, I did a long time ago,” she said.

“Last year alone, I gave up about 15 brands — and the crores offered by them. Now I don’t do such ads,” she added.

Samantha has also found herself amid public scrutiny for what many perceived as mixed messaging. In particular, she faced backlash for endorsing an ice cream brand, despite her public statements about cutting sugar from her diet.

While she didn’t go into specifics, her broader admission and shift in mindset make it clear that she’s learned from those choices and is determined not to repeat them. “I was wrong, but I won’t do it again,” she said firmly.

“That’s why I tell the new generation of people who follow me: don’t do it,” Samantha urged. “Your twenties might make you feel like nothing can touch you. But take care of your body. Learn from my mistakes,” Samantha added.