Samantha shares casual baby bump photo, calls it her maternity shoot

Samantha has offered a relaxed glimpse of her pregnancy journey. The actor shared a photograph of herself lounging on a couch and cradling her baby bump, adding a playful caption: “Consider this my maternity shoot.”The 39-year-old is expecting her first child with her husband, filmmaker Raj Nidimoru. The post follows her pregnancy announcement and pictures from her baby shower at the Isha Foundation, where the couple took part in traditional rituals ahead of the child’s expected arrival in December.In the Instagram photograph, Samantha is seen wearing sunglasses as she poses comfortably on a couch. She gently cradles her growing baby bump, keeping the moment personal rather than opting for an elaborate maternity shoot. Instagram/@samantharuthprabhu Pregnancy announcement and maternity breakSamantha confirmed her pregnancy in June 2026 during the success celebrations of her film Maa Inti Bangaaram in Hyderabad. She also said she would take a maternity break after completing her professional commitments. Samantha and Raj married in an intimate yogic ceremony at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore on December 1, 2025. They are expecting their first child in December, although they have not announced an official due date.In an earlier conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Samantha said the pregnancy had surprised both her and Raj. She said they had become comfortable with the possibility that they might not have children. “I’d reached a place where I was okay either way — maybe we won’t have kids, maybe we will. Both Raj and I were fine with either. So, this is a surprise. I was shooting the song ‘Thassadiya’ when I found out. I had a little sickness while doing the steps. I guess everything just aligned. I’m truly excited, and everyone tells me having a child changes your entire life. I think I’m ready for that change,” she said.Inside Samantha’s baby showerSamantha recently shared pictures from her baby shower ceremony at the Isha Foundation. One photograph showed Raj showering her with pearls, while others captured the traditional rituals performed during the ceremony.In a series of Instagram posts, the actor explained the Kalaa Aavarana ritual from the Srividya tradition. The ritual honours the 94 kalas of Devi through the seven chakras of the mother-to-be. Samantha said it involved sacred water, mantras and rituals intended to cleanse and energise these centres.Samantha and Raj’s relationshipSamantha and Raj were rumoured to be dating after working together on Citadel: Honey Bunny, which was released in 2024. Pictures and videos of Raj shared by Samantha on social media added to the speculation before they made their relationship official with their wedding in December 2025.Samantha’s divorce from Naga Chaitanya became public in 2021, while it is not known when Raj divorced Shhyamali De.Samantha is now on maternity leave and has continued to share parts of her routine, including her workouts, as she prepares for motherhood.- Ends