Bollywood Star Samantha Prabhu Serves Up Pickleball Passion in Chennai

As of November 17, 2025, Bollywood actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu is making waves in the world of pickleball. The leading lady of superhit films like Theri and Rangasthalam is the owner of the Chennai Super Champs, a team that will compete in the World Pickleball League Season 2 beginning in January 2026.

Samantha's passion for pickleball is evident as she lets out a loud hurrah on the courts of Sathyabhama University in Chennai, where the recent Chennai Open tournament was held. The event saw over 500 registrations across 40-plus categories and a prize pool of ₹25 lakh, showcasing the rapidly growing popularity of the sport that blends elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.

Samantha is determined to use her star power to draw attention to pickleball, which she believes can transform India from a "sports-watching nation to a sports-playing one." The number of pickleball courts in Chennai has increased dramatically over the past year, with players migrating from other racquet sports to embrace the new craze.

The actress's fascination with pickleball also ties in with her interest in health and fitness, which she explores through her popular podcast "Take 20." Samantha's own health struggles, including a diagnosis of the rare autoimmune condition myositis in 2022, have further fueled her passion for promoting wellness and fitness through sports like pickleball.