Raj Nidimoru is an Indian filmmaker, writer, and producer, best known as one-half of the celebrated duo Raj & DK. Known for genre-bending hits, sharp storytelling, and some of India’s most successful OTT shows, Raj has earned immense respect in Bollywood and beyond. With renewed attention on his personal life — especially his marriage to actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu — many are curious about his background, career, and family. This biography explores his life in detail, from early education to filmmaking success, relationships, and financial status.
Early Life and Education
Raj Nidimoru was born on 4 August 1975 in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, into a Telugu-speaking family. Growing up in southern India, he showed an early interest in creativity but pursued a technical education first.
He completed his B.Tech in Computer Science from Sri Venkateswara University College of Engineering, where he met Krishna D.K., the person who would become his future creative partner.
After college, Raj moved to the United States, working as a software engineer. Despite a full-time job, he continued writing stories and creating short films — the foundation for his eventual entry into cinema.
Career: Movies, TV Shows & Achievements
Raj Nidimoru began his filmmaking journey with a series of short films before co-directing his first feature, Flavors (2003), an English-language film showcasing Indian immigrant life in the U.S.
His Hindi cinema debut came with 99 (2009), a fresh crime-comedy that earned critical praise. This was followed by Shor in the City (2011), a gritty dark comedy that further solidified Raj & DK’s reputation for unconventional storytelling.
Raj’s Notable Movies & Shows:
- Go Goa Gone (2013) – India’s first mainstream zombie-comedy.
- Stree (2018) – A massive hit that revived horror-comedy in India.
- The Family Man (2019–present) – One of India’s most successful web series, praised for its writing and performances.
- Farzi (2023) – A blockbuster OTT hit starring Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi.
- Guns & Gulaabs (2023) – A quirky retro crime-comedy series.
Today, Raj is considered one of India’s most creative and fearless storytellers, pushing boundaries in both cinema and streaming.
Achievements
- Recognised as one of the leading writer-director duos in Indian entertainment.
- Credited with revolutionizing Indian OTT storytelling.
- Multiple nominations and awards for The Family Man and Shor in the City.
- A strong reputation for innovative genre blending — comedy, thriller, horror, and satire.
Personal Life
Raj Nidimoru, raised in a traditional Telugu household, has kept details about his parents and family background largely private. His caste has never been publicly confirmed, as Raj does not discuss it, and reputable sources do not highlight it.
First Marriage
Raj’s first marriage was to Shhyamali De (also known as Shyamali/Dey/De), a screenwriter and assistant director. The couple married in 2015 and later divorced in 2022.
Earlier reports suggested the two had a daughter, but fact-checking reveals that the child seen with Raj in a viral photograph was actually the daughter of his longtime collaborator, Krishna D.K., not his own. Raj does not have any children from this marriage or otherwise.
Marriage to Samantha Ruth Prabhu
On 1 December 2025, Raj Nidimoru married actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu in an intimate ceremony held at the Linga Bhairavi Temple inside the Isha Yoga Centre. The wedding was attended only by close guests and was intentionally kept low-key.
Net Worth & Financial Status
As of December 2025, Raj Nidimoru’s net worth is estimated to be ₹85–89 crore (around USD 10 million). Some reports give a wider range of ₹85–100 crore because his income comes from many different projects.
How Raj Earns His Money
- Film direction and writing – He earns from hit movies like Stree and Go Goa Gone.
- OTT shows – Big web series such as The Family Man and Farzi bring him high income.
- Royalties – He gets repeated earnings from his scripts and stories.
- D2R Films – He co-owns this successful production house, which adds a major part to his wealth.
- Brand and industry projects – He works with companies and creative partners, earning extra income.
Raj is among the most successful modern filmmakers in India, and his strong career in films and OTT shows keeps his financial status growing every year.
