Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and director Raj Nidimoru have embarked on a new chapter together, but their recent temple wedding has been clouded by unexpected online controversy. The couple tied the knot in a serene ceremony at the Linga Bhairavi Temple within Sadhguru's Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Samantha shared the first glimpse of their special day on Monday, showcasing a traditionally radiant look.
Serene Wedding, Sudden Storm: A Friend's Claim Creates Chaos
While the photos depicted a picture of peace and happiness, the digital space quickly erupted with confusion. The controversy was ignited by Bhavna Tapadia, a friend of Raj Nidimoru's first wife, Shhyamali De. Bhavna reshared an old picture of Shhyamali, who was seen with a prominent sindoor streak and red bindi, traditional markers of a married Hindu woman.
Alongside the image, Bhavna made a bold assertion that spread like wildfire. She wrote, "To all those who are asking me… last time I checked, she was still married, and the last time was NOW." This statement directly challenged the legality of Raj's marriage to Samantha, implying his previous union was not legally dissolved. Bhavna, identified as a writer for Amitabh Bachchan's show KBC, has not been contradicted by Shhyamali herself, deepening the mystery.
The original post by Shhyamali, which Bhavna referenced, contained a philosophical message about karmic bonds. She had written about relationships formed through past debts (runānubandha) and how they end when those karmic accounts are settled.
Who is Shhyamali De? The Private First Wife
Shhyamali De has largely maintained a life away from the public glare despite her connections to the film industry. Her Instagram bio reflects a spiritual outlook, wishing happiness and freedom for all beings. Professionally, she has worked behind the scenes on notable projects.
Her filmography includes reportedly serving as an assistant director for acclaimed movies like Aamir Khan's 'Rang De Basanti' and Ajay Devgn's 'Omkara'. She later worked as the creative supervisor on the 2014 rom-com 'Happy Ending', which was directed by Raj & DK.
Shhyamali and Raj got married in 2015. While industry whispers suggested a separation around 2022, her own social media activity told a different story. On Valentine's Day 2023, she posted a heartfelt message for "R", expressing deep love and calling him the center of her life, which strongly indicated they were still together at that time.
The Wedding Celebration: Elegance and Togetherness
Amidst the swirling doubts, Samantha and Raj's wedding visuals remained a testament to their joy. Samantha looked elegant in a red saree adorned with zari work, complemented by classic gold jewellery. Raj opted for a crisp white kurta with a beige Nehru jacket. The couple also performed a ring exchange before the main ceremony, with Samantha proudly displaying a sizable diamond wedding band.
Their relationship, first subject to industry speculation in early 2024, had been gradually revealed through Samantha's social media posts, showing their growing comfort. Their professional collaborations have also been a foundation of their bond. Samantha made her digital debut in Raj & DK's 'The Family Man 2', worked with them on 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' in 2024, and is slated for the upcoming 'Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom'.
As fans celebrate the couple's union, the questions raised online await clarity. The silence from the primary individuals involved has turned a private celebration into a public conversation about marriage, legality, and personal journeys.
