In the world of Indian cinema, few pairings have captured the collective imagination of the public like Anushka Shetty and Prabhas. Their electric chemistry, most notably as Devasena and Amarendra Baahubali in the Baahubali franchise, didn't just break box office records—it sparked a decade-long wave of speculation about their real-life relationship.

Despite persistent rumors of secret engagements and upcoming weddings, the duo has consistently maintained that their bond is rooted in deep friendship rather than romance. In a particularly candid moment, Anushka Shetty once sat down to explain exactly why the world refuses to let the "Pranushka" rumors die.

A Bond Built Over Fifteen Years

The connection between Anushka and Prabhas isn't a recent development born out of a single movie's success. As Anushka revealed in an interview with the Deccan Chronicle, their relationship spans over 15 years. They have grown up in the industry together, witnessing each other’s highs and lows long before they became pan-Indian superstars.

Anushka famously described Prabhas as one of her "3 AM friends." This term signifies a level of trust and comfort that goes beyond casual acquaintances. It suggests a person you can call in the middle of the night during a crisis or a moment of joy, highlighting a platonic intimacy that is often misunderstood by the public as romantic.

Why the Dating Rumors Persist

Anushka offered a very logical perspective on why the media and fans are so obsessed with linking them together. According to her, the speculation boils down to two simple factors:

1. Marital Status: Both actors are currently unmarried, making them "eligible" in the eyes of gossip columns.

2. Onscreen Magic: Their visual compatibility and acting synergy are so seamless that audiences find it hard to believe that such "love" is purely fictional.

She pointed out the irony that their very success as actors—making a fake romance look real—is exactly what fuels the rumors about their private lives.

Transparency as a Way of Life

One of the strongest arguments Anushka made against the dating rumors is based on their shared personality traits. She noted that both she and Prabhas are remarkably straightforward individuals.

"Both of us are the same kind of people who don’t hide any emotions if we are involved," she explained. Her point was simple: if they were actually in a relationship, they wouldn't feel the need to keep it in the shadows. Their transparency with their fans has always been a hallmark of their careers, and she suggested that a hidden romance simply wouldn't fit their character.

A Family Beyond the Screen

To put the rumors into even greater context, Anushka emphasized that Prabhas is part of a much larger, close-knit circle that she considers family. This "support system" within the Telugu film industry includes names like Nani, Rana Daggubati, Supriya Yarlagadda, and the Rajamouli family. By placing Prabhas within this group of "family-like" friends, she subtly shifted the narrative away from a "power couple" and toward a story of lifelong companionship and professional respect.
Read Also: Veer Pahariya Spotted with Janhvi Kapoor: First Public Appearance Since Reported Split with Tara Sutaria
Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!
HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!