A recent Instagram reel posted by actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu from her Dubai trip has ignited a fresh wave of speculation surrounding her relationship with director Raj Nidimoru. The reel, showcasing highlights from her vacation, included a brief clip of her holding hands with a man, leading fans to believe that she may be "soft launching" her relationship with the filmmaker.

The man in the video, though not explicitly identified, was seen wearing a black jacket, denim jeans, and carrying a black bag. Social media users were quick to point out the resemblance to Raj Nidimoru, fueling the already persistent rumors of a romance between the two. Comments flooded the post, with fans expressing their excitement and support, with some even congratulating the actress on seemingly making her relationship public.

Adding another layer to the unfolding narrative, Raj Nidimoru's ex-wife, Shhyamali De, shared a series of cryptic Instagram stories shortly after Samantha's reel went viral. One story featured a quote from Ali Ibn Abi Talib: "Detachment is not that you should own nothing, but that nothing should own you". Another quote read, "Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment". These posts have been interpreted by many as a subtle response to the ongoing rumors and Samantha's recent video.

Shhyamali De is a psychology graduate and has a background in the film industry, having worked as an assistant director with filmmakers like Vishal Bhardwaj and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Raj Nidimoru and Shhyamali De reportedly divorced in 2022.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu was previously married to actor Naga Chaitanya. The couple announced their separation in 2021. Naga Chaitanya has since remarried actress Sobhita Dhulipala in 2024.

Samantha and Raj have collaborated on several projects, including the popular web series The Family Man 2, Citadel: Honey Bunny, and the upcoming Netflix series Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom. Their professional relationship has been cited as a potential foundation for their rumored romance. In recent months, they have been seen together at various events, further fueling speculation. A few months ago, Samantha shared a selfie on social media of her resting her head on Raj's shoulder.

Neither Samantha nor Raj have officially addressed the dating rumors. Despite the lack of confirmation, fans and media outlets continue to analyze their interactions and social media activity, interpreting them as clues about their relationship status.