Popular South Indian actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has once again found herself at the center of dating rumors. This time, the speculation revolves around her alleged relationship with Citadel director Raj Nidimoru. A series of photos from a pickleball tournament, where she was seen holding hands with the filmmaker, have gone viral on social media, leading netizens to believe that the actress might be confirming their relationship.
Social Media Post That Started It All
Samantha took to Instagram on February 1 to share glimpses from the World Pickleball League match. In the post, she reflected on her newfound love for the sport, describing how it had transformed her perspective on competition and teamwork.
She wrote, “My first venture into the world of sports — pickleball, of all things — has been so transformative! I came into it with a lifetime of hesitation, ‘cos I had always avoided sports because I hate losing.”
However, what caught everyone’s attention was a photo in which Samantha was seen holding hands with Raj Nidimoru. The intimate moment fueled dating speculations, as many believed it to be a subtle confirmation of their rumored relationship.
Samantha’s Bond with Raj Nidimoru
Samantha and Raj Nidimoru have known each other professionally for quite some time. The actress worked with him and his directorial partner, DK, in The Family Man 2, where she portrayed the fierce character of Raji. Following the massive success of the show, she collaborated with them again for Citadel: Honey Bunny. The duo and Samantha are also set to work together on their upcoming series Rakht Brahmand.
While neither Samantha nor Raj has made any official statement regarding the rumors, their recent public appearances together have only intensified the speculation.
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Netizens React to the Viral Photos
As soon as the photos surfaced, social media users were quick to express their thoughts. Many took to platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit to share their opinions.
One user commented, “Sam seems to be coming out in the open that she is with Raj, there are videos from other events where she is just with Raj as well.”
Another user wrote, “Love is in the air.”
A third user remarked, “Good, she has to move on.”
A fourth person added, “She deserves a good human being.”
Samantha’s Life Post-Divorce
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been single since her separation from actor Naga Chaitanya in 2021. The former couple, who were one of the most beloved pairs in the Telugu film industry, announced their separation through a joint statement. While the actress has maintained a dignified silence about her personal life, she has often spoken about healing and moving forward.
Following the divorce, Samantha focused on her career, starring in a mix of commercial and critically acclaimed projects. She also took a break from acting in 2023 to focus on her health and personal well-being. The recent speculations about her dating life have intrigued fans, as they are eager to see her find happiness again.
What’s Next for Samantha?
Apart from her upcoming projects in Bollywood and South Indian cinema, Samantha has also been making headlines for her business ventures. She recently invested in the Chennai Super Champs team for the World Pickleball League, marking her entry into the sports industry.
As for her personal life, only time will tell whether the dating rumors hold any truth. Until then, fans will have to wait for an official confirmation from the actress or the director themselves.