Samantha Ruth Prabhu & Raj Nidimoru: From Quiet Collaboration to a Spiritual Coimbatore Wedding -The Complete Story So Far
4 min read
In one of the most talked-about developments in Indian cinema this year, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru (of the duo Raj & DK) entered matrimony on December 1, 2025, in an intimate Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha ceremony at the Linga Bhairavi Temple, Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore.
The minimalist yet spiritually charged wedding marks the culmination of a two-year journey that evolved away from the spotlight, despite the massive fame surrounding both.
India Prime Times brings you a complete, reconstructed timeline-from their first meeting to the quiet nuptials-supported by background insights and updated developments
BACKGROUND: A Partnership That Started on Set
Samantha and Raj first crossed paths in 2019-2020 during the filming of The Family Man 2, where she delivered one of her most critically acclaimed performances as Raji. Directed by Raj & DK, the series marked a turning point in her professional graph and introduced her to one of its creators, Raj Nidimoru.
While their early exchanges were strictly work-driven, industry insiders later hinted that their synergy went beyond actor-director mechanics-marked by mutual respect, creative alignment and, eventually, companionship.
Their bond strengthened further during their second collaboration: Citadel: Honey Bunny, the Indian segment of the global Citadel franchise.
THE TIMELINE: HOW THE RELATIONSHIP UNFOLDED
1. 2021–2023: A Quiet Professional Camaraderie
After The Family Man 2, Samantha’s path intersected with Raj’s frequently due to overlapping OTT and global project commitments.
Both maintained a strictly private personal life during this period-especially after their respective public separations:
- Samantha divorced actor Naga Chaitanya in 2021
- Raj parted ways with Shhyamali De in 2022
Industry friends now say this was the phase when they found “a shared wavelength” but remained guarded.
2. 2023–2024: Rumblings of a Relationship Begin
Rumours gathered momentum in 2023 when the duo was seen together at closed-door creative sessions and private industry gatherings.
But it was early 2025 when the first real spark ignited online buzz:
A leaked photo of Samantha and Raj holding hands at a private party went viral, triggering widespread speculation.
Neither confirmed nor denied the rumours, choosing silence over sensationalism.
3. Mid-2025: The Instagram ‘Soft Launch’ Era
This phase became the turning point.
Samantha-usually cautious with personal disclosures-began posting glimpses featuring Raj:
- casual gym photos
- him playing with her dogs
- moments from flights
- holiday snippets from Dubai and Detroit
A particularly discussed moment was a May 2025 post showing her resting on his shoulder on a flight, which fans dubbed her “soft launch moment”.
The Detroit visit during TANA 2025 added fuel to the fire-photos showed them strolling hand-in-hand and dining together.
4. September 2025: Samantha’s Reflective Post Goes Viral
In a widely shared Instagram reflection, Samantha wrote about “real love finding you when you stop moulding yourself”.
Though unnamed, followers interpreted it as her first indirect acknowledgement of the relationship.
5. October-November 2025: Joint Public Appearances Grow Frequent
Their closeness became even more visible:
- Together at Samantha’s perfume brand launch
- Appearing in promotional events connected to her maiden production, Subham, where Raj served as creative producer
- Posing in photos with family and close friends
By now, the industry had quietly accepted that the two were a couple, even without formal confirmation.
THE WEDDING: A PRIVATE, SPIRITUALLY GROUNDED CEREMONY
Venue & Ritual
The couple tied the knot at the Isha Yoga Centre, a place Samantha has regularly visited for spiritual retreats.
The ceremony was a Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha, conducted in the presence of:
- Linga Bhairavi Devi
- about 30 close family members and friends
The setting remained intentionally simple:
turmeric-coated coconuts, kumkum, flowers, sacred powders, a folded sari, traditional lamps, and grains arranged meticulously for the rituals.
The Bride & Groom: Decoding Their Minimalist Style
Samantha’s bridal ensemble featured:
- A hand-woven red Banarasi Katan satin silk sari
- Powder-zari buttis and beige-gold zardozi embroidery
- Gold jewellery with a handcrafted neckpiece, earrings and bangles
- A floral-embellished bun
- A giant diamond solitaire ring
Raj’s look:
- Off-white kurta
- Gold Nehru jacket
- Minimal accessories-just a watch and a smile
The simplicity reflected their mutual preference for a sacred, non-glamorous ceremony.
CELEBRITY REACTIONS POUR IN
Minutes after Samantha posted, “01.12.2025”, the film fraternity flooded her timeline:
- Kajal Aggarwal: “Super happy for you both.”
- Malavika Mohanan: “So so happy!”
- Ananya Panday: “My beautiful best girl Sammy.”
- Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor, Athiya Shetty, Varun Dhawan, Radhika Apte, Hansika, Sonali Bendre and others also sent their wishes.
The warmth indicates the industry’s long-standing affection for Samantha and deep professional respect for Raj.
WHY THIS WEDDING MATTERS: A QUICK BREAKDOWN
1. Two leading figures choosing privacy over spectacle
In an era of destination weddings and paparazzi-led announcements, Samantha and Raj’s ceremony stands out for its spiritual grounding and intentional simplicity.
2. A story of second chances
Both individuals rebuilt their personal lives after high-profile separations-making this union a story of resilience and renewal.
3. A rare actor-director love story
Their bond blossomed through shared creativity, authentic companionship and trust-an aspect repeatedly seen in their collaborations.
4. A narrative controlled entirely by them
For nearly two years, they maintained dignity and privacy, revealing only what they wished.
5. A symbolic setting
Choosing Isha Foundation over a grand venue highlights their personal spiritual evolution.
THE ROAD AHEAD
With Samantha stepping into production and Raj continuing to expand his creative footprint globally, industry observers believe the couple may collaborate on more projects-perhaps even jointly helm future OTT ventures.
For now, the couple remains off social media, celebrating in Coimbatore with family.
