Designer on why Samantha's gown became a 'revenge dress'

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s transformation of her wedding gown into a bold black 'revenge dress' in 2024 made headlines not just for its fashion statement, but for the powerful message behind it. After her very public split from Naga Chaitanya, Samantha chose not to hide her pain but to reclaim her narrative.

Now, both Samantha and designer Kresha Bajaj have opened up about the emotional significance of the gown’s dramatic makeover—revealing a story of healing, strength, and starting anew.Samantha married Naga Chaitanya in 2017, wearing a floral-detailed wedding gown that held deep sentimental value. But following their divorce, she gave the gown a bold makeover. In 2024, she re-wore it as a striking black 'revenge dress.'

Designer Kresha Bajaj has now revealed the reason behind the dramatic transformation.In an interview with Pinkvilla, designer Kresha opened up about transforming Samantha's wedding gown into a 'revenge dress.' She explained that the dress was more than just a garment—it was an emotional memory turned into something new. Samantha wanted to reclaim something deeply personal, and Kresha felt honoured to help with the process.

The goal wasn’t to erase the past but to acknowledge it gracefully and reimagine it into something powerful and unique, while keeping the original essence intact.In another interview with Galatta India, the actress had opened up about why she chose to alter her wedding gown—a symbol of her past. She revealed that after a divorce, women often face harsh judgment and stigma, being labeled as “used” or “second-hand.” Samantha shared that society expects divorced women to feel ashamed or like failures.

By transforming her wedding dress, she reclaimed control over that narrative—not just for herself, but to speak for countless women and families who endure similar pain and pressure.Samantha went on to clarify that the transformation of her wedding dress wasn’t an act of revenge, as many assumed. She admitted it may have appeared that way, but the real intent was far more personal. Her fairytale didn’t have the ending she once imagined, but she didn’t want to sit back and mourn it. Instead, she wanted to face her pain head-on and embrace a new beginning. By wearing the altered gown, Samantha symbolised strength, acceptance, and moving forward—proving that where something ends, something new and empowering can begin.