Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh — April 28, 2025
In a touching display of admiration and devotion, a die-hard fan of popular actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has built a temple in her honor in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district. The fan, Tenali Sandeep from Alapadu village, unveiled the temple on April 28, 2025, to coincide with the actress’s 38th birthday.
The temple, constructed within the village limits, features two busts of Samantha Ruth Prabhu, carefully sculpted and placed on a decorated pedestal. The space was adorned with colorful flowers, streamers, and posters celebrating the actress’s achievements both on and off screen. The inauguration event attracted locals and curious onlookers, many of whom joined in the celebration.
Sandeep, who has long admired Samantha not only for her acting prowess but also for her philanthropic efforts, marked the occasion in a unique and heartfelt manner. He cut a birthday cake in front of the temple and organized a special meal for orphans from nearby shelters. Speaking to reporters, Sandeep said, “Samantha has always inspired me. Her dedication to social work, especially through her Pratyusha Foundation, shows she is not just a star but a kind-hearted human being. I wanted to do something special for her birthday that reflects her spirit of giving.”
The temple, although modest in size, has become a focal point of local attention. Villagers described Sandeep’s act as a rare gesture of fandom that goes beyond admiration and into the realm of devotion. “It’s not every day that someone builds a temple for a living person,” said Ramesh, a local resident. “This is a mark of true respect and love.”
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, known for her roles in films such as Ye Maaya Chesave, Mahanati, and Family Man 2, has gained a massive fan following across South India and beyond. Over the years, she has also built a reputation for engaging in various social initiatives, particularly healthcare and education for underprivileged children. Her foundation, Pratyusha Support, offers medical assistance to women and children in need.
Though the actress herself has not publicly responded to the temple’s unveiling as of this report, the gesture has gone viral on social media, with fans praising Sandeep’s dedication. The hashtag #SamanthaTemple trended briefly on Twitter on the day of the event, with several users sharing photos of the temple and the celebration.
Local authorities have also taken note of the development. While the temple is on private land, the panchayat office has reportedly acknowledged Sandeep’s activity and advised that the structure remains within legal parameters. Officials have said there is no objection as long as the site does not create public disturbances.
Experts in pop culture note that while fans in India often go to great lengths to show their love for film stars—building statues, painting walls, or even performing rituals—constructing a temple is still an uncommon and extreme gesture. “This kind of devotion reflects how cinema and celebrity culture are deeply woven into the social fabric, especially in southern India,” said Dr. Radhika Menon, a sociologist at Hyderabad Central University.
As for Sandeep, he plans to continue honoring Samantha’s legacy by conducting charitable activities in her name. “I hope one day she visits this temple,” he said with a smile. “Until then, I will keep supporting the causes she believes in.”
The temple is expected to attract fans and tourists in the coming weeks, adding a new point of interest to Alapadu village.
Source:
Local news reports and interviews conducted by The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle, and eyewitness accounts from Bapatla district.
