Behind Samantha’s retro saree shoot lies a quiet flashback to her YMC and Chay era

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s recent photo series is sparking conversations once again—this time, for her vintage-inspired look in a saree, and the subtle reveal of a tattoo linked to her past.

On Saturday, the actor posted a set of monochrome pictures on Instagram, dressed in a sheer floral saree paired with a deep-cut blouse. Her hair was styled in a soft twisted bun, with delicate drop earrings finishing the look. She posed beside a piano, further accentuating the retro aesthetic. But what truly caught the eye was the ‘YMC’ tattoo visible on her upper back—an ode to her 2010 film Ye Maaya Chesave, which marked her debut in Telugu cinema.

The initials stand for the Gautham Menon-directed romance that starred Naga Chaitanya opposite her, a film that would go on to shape both her career and her personal life. The film also marked the beginning of her relationship with Chaitanya, who later became her husband. The couple separated in 2021.

Reacting to the photos, celebrities like Disha Patani, Rhea Chakraborty and Kriti Kharbanda dropped compliments in the comments section, appreciating both the visual and emotional weight of the post.

This isn’t the only ink Samantha once had in connection with her former husband. She reportedly had a ‘Chay’ tattoo on her ribcage and a set of matching arrows on her wrist with the meaning “create your own reality.” Fans have noticed that one of those tattoos appears to be fading, hinting that she may be undergoing removal procedures.

Samantha, meanwhile, is keeping busy on the professional front. After working with Raj & DK on The Family Man 2 and the upcoming Citadel: Honey Bunny, she’s also rumoured to be dating Raj Nidimoru. The duo is now collaborating on Rakt Brahmand.

Naga Chaitanya, on the other hand, is currently in a relationship with Sobhita Dhulipala.

Samantha’s quiet nod to her past—through a tattoo and a saree—has stirred nostalgia among her fans. But it’s also a reminder that personal stories often run just below the surface, visible only if you know where to look.