Samantha Akkineni and Naga Chaitanya split: Complete timeline of their relationship

South Indian stars Samantha Akkineni and Naga Chaitanya on Saturday announced their separation. They announced on their respective social media handles that they have decided to call it quits as husband and wife. 

“After much deliberation and thought Chay and I have decided to part ways as husband and wife to pursue our own paths,” Samantha wrote in a statement on Instagram. “We request our fans, well wishers and the media to support us during this difficult time and give us the privacy we need to move on. Thanking you for your support.”

The actors first met on the sets of their hit film ‘Yeh Maaya Chesave’ in 2009. They bonded well while shooting for the movie. 

In 2014 , Samantha and Naga again came together for ‘Autonagar Surya’. Sparks reportedly flew between them while shooting the film. 

They were spotted together many times after that, sparking dating rumours. Finally, in September 2016, Samantha confirmed that she was dating Naga Chaitanya. Their families were supportive and happy with their relationship.

They tied knot in Goa in October 2017 in a private ceremony. The couple got married as per Hindu customs on October 6 and by Christian customs the following day. 

Rumours of trouble in paradise started doing the rounds earlier this year after Samantha changed her name on social media platforms from Samantha Akkineni to simply ‘S’. 

On Saturday, Samantha and Naga Chaitanya announced their separation.

“To all our well wishers. After much deliberation and thought Sam and I have decided to part ways as husband and wife to pursue our own paths. We are fortunate to have a friendship of over a decade that was the very core of our relationship which we believe will always hold a special bond between us,” they said in a statement.