Samantha Ruth Prabhu is all set for the release of her upcoming action drama Maa Inti Bangaaram, and amid the growing buzz around the film, the actor has opened up about her life off-screen. In a candid interview with Vogue, Samantha spoke about love, partnership, and creative growth, offering a rare glimpse into her relationship with filmmaker Raj Nidimoru.
With characteristic honesty and humour, Samantha described herself and Raj as the kind of couple that might make others roll their eyes — in the best way. “Raj and I really are that irritating couple that does everything together. We work together, we play together, we work out together with Paridhi. And we love it,” she shared. The actor added playfully that even if she has to travel for a day without him, she reacts dramatically, jokingly pretending to swoon in distress.
Addressing whether their closeness is simply a honeymoon phase, Samantha dismissed the notion. She explained that enough time has passed for their bond to have deepened beyond that initial stage. Instead, she suggested that their connection has evolved into a strong partnership rooted in shared interests, mutual respect, and creative synergy.
Samantha also credited Raj with helping her grow as an actor. Drawing inspiration from Hollywood, she referenced Leonardo DiCaprio and his long-standing collaborations with Martin Scorsese. She pointed out how DiCaprio’s performances have become more nuanced and layered over the years while working repeatedly with the celebrated filmmaker. In a similar vein, Samantha believes that working closely with Raj has positively influenced her own craft. “I think I’m becoming a better actor because Raj is around,” she said, underscoring how creative partnerships can shape artistic evolution.
The two first crossed paths on the sets of The Family Man Season 2, where Samantha’s intense performance won critical acclaim and introduced her to a broader pan-Indian audience. Their collaboration continued with Citadel: Honey Bunny, the Indian adaptation of the global franchise. As they worked together on multiple projects, their professional rapport gradually transformed into a personal connection.
Relationship rumours began surfacing in 2024 after Samantha and Raj were spotted together at various public events. Reports suggested that the two had moved in together, although neither publicly confirmed the speculation at the time. Fans, however, noticed that Samantha frequently shared moments featuring Raj on her social media, subtly hinting at their closeness. Over time, their bond became increasingly evident through both public appearances and collaborative work.
The couple eventually formalised their relationship in a traditional Linga Bhairava Vivaha ceremony held at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore on December 1. The intimate wedding was attended by close friends and family members. They later announced their marriage through a joint Instagram post, which was met with an outpouring of love from fans and colleagues alike.
Before marrying Raj, Samantha was married to actor Naga Chaitanya. The pair wed in 2017 and announced their separation in 2021 after four years of marriage. Raj was previously married to Shhyamali De; the two tied the knot in 2015 and are believed to have separated in 2022.
Today, as Samantha prepares for Maa Inti Bangaaram, she appears to be in a deeply fulfilling phase of life. Balancing a thriving career with a supportive personal partnership, she continues to evolve as both an artist and an individual — confident, self-aware, and creatively energised.
