Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s marriage to filmmaker Raj Nidimoru has unexpectedly sparked a major online controversy after a close friend of Raj’s first wife, Shhyamali De, claimed that the former couple remains legally married. The claim surfaced just hours after Samantha shared the first photos from their intimate temple wedding at the Linga Bhairavi Temple inside Sadhguru’s Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore.

The newlyweds appeared serene in the images, with Samantha dressed in a traditional red bridal saree and Raj standing beside her with a gentle smile. But celebrations quickly gave way to confusion as social media began to question the status of Raj’s previous marriage. 

Confusion emerges after cryptic Instagram post

Speculation began when Shhyamali shared a contemplative image of a woman with a bold red bindi and long streak of sindoor on Instagram. Over the artwork, she posted a philosophical message on karmic ties, writing, “Through the bond of past debts (runānubandha), one becomes connected with pets, spouse, children, and home… When those karmic debts are exhausted, those relationships come to an end."

Another message, referring to “desperate people”, added to the intrigue, prompting many to interpret it as a response to Raj’s remarriage.

Friend claims Raj and Shhyamali are ‘still married’

The situation escalated when Shhyamali’s friend, Bhavna Tapadia, reshared the same image and added a startling line: “To all those who are asking me… last time I checked she was still married and the last time was NOW."

Bhavna, who follows and is followed by Shhyamali on Instagram, is known to be associated with Amitabh Bachchan’s show KBC, as her bio states. Her statement triggered widespread speculation about whether Raj remarried without formally ending his first marriage.

Notably, Shhyamali has not commented on the claim, deepening the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

All about Raj Nidimoru’s first wife, Shhyamali De

Shhyamali De has largely maintained a private life, despite her strong industry connections. Her Instagram bio reads, “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness for all."

Professionally, she has worked behind the scenes in several major films – reportedly serving as an assistant director on Aamir Khan’s ‘Rang De Basanti’ and Ajay Devgn’s ‘Omkara’. She later took on the role of creative supervisor for Raj & DK’s 2014 rom-com ‘Happy Ending’.

Shhyamali and Raj married in 2015. While some reports have claimed they separated in 2022, a Valentine’s Day post from Shhyamali in 2023 suggested otherwise.

In the message, she wrote, “There is a hand I love to hold, a face I love to see, there is a voice I love to hear that means the world to me... At the center of my life, at the heart of all that matters, is you and the love we share. When I count my blessings, I always think of you! Happy Valentine’s Day R!."

The affectionate post has led many online to believe the couple remained together at least until early 2023.

Samantha and Raj’s temple wedding

Amid the online stir, Samantha and Raj’s wedding ceremony appeared peaceful and traditional. Samantha wore a red saree with intricate zari detailing, along with gold jewellery, while Raj opted for a white kurta and beige Nehru jacket.

The couple were also seen exchanging rings in one of the images, with Samantha showing off a striking diamond wedding ring.

Their relationship reportedly began in early 2024, growing gradually more public through social media posts. Their professional association also strengthened their bond – Samantha starred in ‘The Family Man 2’, directed by Raj & DK, before working again with the duo on ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ in 2024. They are set to collaborate once more in ‘Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom’.

Samantha’s former husband, actor Naga Chaitanya, remarried actress Sobhita Dhulipala in 2024. He has previously clarified that Sobhita had no connection to his divorce from Samantha.