Raj Nidimoru, one half of the acclaimed directing duo Raj & DK, stands as a pivotal figure in modern Indian cinema, renowned for blending genres like thriller, comedy, and horror into groundbreaking narratives. Born on August 4, 1975, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, he has evolved from a software engineer in the US to a powerhouse creator of blockbuster films and series such as The Family Man, Farzi, and Stree.wikipedia+2
Early Life and Education
Raj Nidimoru grew up in a Telugu-speaking family in Andhra Pradesh alongside his sister Sheetal Nidimoru, with parents Krishna Nidimoru and Rama Ratnakra shaping his formative years. He pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science at Sri Venkateswara University College of Engineering in Tirupati, where he first met longtime collaborator Krishna Dasarakothapalli, known as DK.
After graduation, Nidimoru moved to the United States, initially building a career in software engineering before pivoting to filmmaking—a decision that marked the start of his creative journey. Standing at 5'9" with a Leo zodiac sign, he maintains a low-key personal style, often sharing glimpses of his pet dog on social media, reflecting his love for animals.economictimes+1
This engineering background instilled a structured, innovative approach to storytelling, evident in his precise genre fusions that later captivated global audiences.wikipedia
Career Trajectory
Nidimoru's directorial debut came with the 2002 short Shaadi.com, followed by the English-language feature Flavors in 2003, exploring Indian immigrant life in America. His Bollywood entry, the 2009 crime-comedy-thriller 99, earned rave reviews from The New York Times and Indian outlets for its inventive script.
The duo's 2011 film Shor in the City garnered critical acclaim, festival selections, and four-star ratings from critics like Nikhat Kazmi and Anupama Chopra for its dark humor and ensemble cast. This momentum continued with Go Goa Gone (2013), India's first zombie comedy, which became a cult hit among youth.wikipedia
Later films like Happy Ending (2014) and A Gentleman (2017) received mixed commercial results, but Stree (2018), which they wrote and produced, exploded as a horror-comedy phenomenon, entering the 100-crore club and launching the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.chronicalheroes+1
OTT Breakthrough and Production Ventures
The OTT era propelled Raj & DK to superstardom with The Family Man (2019–present) on Amazon Prime, starring Manoj Bajpayee as spy Srikant Tiwari; it won Filmfare OTT Awards for Best Director and Series. Season 2 in 2021 further solidified their grip with awards for writing and drama.
Farzi (2023) featuring Shahid Kapoor became Amazon's most-watched Indian series, while Netflix's Guns & Gulaabs (2023) with Rajkummar Rao impressed for its neo-noir style. Citadel: Honey Bunny (2024), an Indian spin-off with Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, earned 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and multiple directing accolades.chronicalheroes+1
In 2021, they launched D2R Indie for independent films, debuting with Telugu hit Cinema Bandi. Upcoming projects include The Family Man Season 3 (November 2025), Gulkanda Tales, and Rakt Brahmand.wikipedia+1
Awards and Accolades
Raj Nidimoru's trophy cabinet boasts Filmfare OTT wins for The Family Man (Best Director, Dialogues, Series), Critics Choice for Farzi (Best Web Series) and The Family Man (Writing, Drama), and Star Screen for Stree (Best Film).
Additional honors include News18 Showsha Reel for Farzi, Behindwoods Gold Icons for Guns & Gulaabs, and Yellowstone International for directing excellence, plus IMDb top series nods for Farzi and Guns & Gulaabs.chronicalheroes+1
These achievements highlight his mastery in scripting and direction, positioning Raj & DK on Film Companion's Ormax Power List.wikipedia
Personal Life and Recent Marriage News
Raj Nidimoru married Shhyamali De, an associate director who worked on Rang De Basanti and Omkara, around 2015; they share a daughter and divorced in 2022. Shhyamali, a psychology graduate and friend to Patralekhaa, has stayed out of the spotlight post-divorce.mid-day+2
Rumors linked him romantically to actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu since early 2024, fueled by public sightings, social media hugs, and collaborations like Citadel: Honey Bunny. Speculation peaked with wedding buzz at Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore on December 1, 2025, confirmed by Samantha's team and reports of an intimate Ling Bhairavi Temple ceremony.timesofindia.indiatimes+2
No verified connection exists to Aashna Chaudhary, an IPS officer; recent news centers solely on the Samantha union amid cryptic ex-wife posts like "Desperate people do desperate things."news18+1
Controversies
Nidimoru faced backlash over his alleged affair with Samantha while married, drawing "homewrecker" accusations online and Reddit debates labeling it unethical. Shhyamali's posts on detachment and "Dharma Alone Matters" amplified public scrutiny, with fans questioning his Family Man irony.reddit+2
Divorce details remain private, but social media painted Shhyamali as "toxic" in unverified claims, sparking gender debates. No legal issues or professional controversies mar his career.indianexpress+1
Top Interesting Facts
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Transitioned from US software engineering to filmmaking after engineering college meet-cute with DK.wikipedia
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Pioneered India's zombie comedy with Go Goa Gone, a youth cult classic.wikipedia
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Stree grossed over ₹124 crore, a box-office surprise.boxofficeindia
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Animal lover who frequently posts about his pet dog.
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Featured on Leisure magazine cover in 2021.
FAQs
Who is Raj Nidimoru's wife?
He was married to Shhyamali De until their 2022 divorce; recent reports confirm marriage to Samantha Ruth Prabhu on December 1, 2025.hindustantimes+1
What is Raj Nidimoru's most successful project?
The Family Man and Farzi top charts with multiple awards; Stree led box-office hits.
Did Raj Nidimoru face any major controversies?
Primarily dating rumors with Samantha amid his prior marriage, sparking online backlash.pinkvilla+1
What are Raj Nidimoru's upcoming projects?
The Family Man Season 3 (2025), Gulkanda Tales, and Rakt Brahmand.wikipedia
Where was Raj Nidimoru born?
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on August 4, 1975.
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