Born on April 15, 1975, Raghu Ram and his twin brother Rajiv Lakshman hail from Andhra Pradesh. Also known as the 'evil' twins, Raghu and Rajiv rose to fame with their stint in Roadies. You have seen the duo intimidating wannabe Roadies during auditions. Especially - Raghu Ram who screams, swears and sometimes even hauls them out. But what is he like in person?
Raghu Ram made a career off an image that showcased him as mean, and verbally-abusive, ala American producer Simon Cowell. But Ram says that the impression was "a front". "Honestly, I don't use abusive language. That was merely an image that had to be created for that show [Roadies]. I had to be that guy to evoke a response from the person [participants] sitting in front of me. I have also written a book about my experience [Rearview: My Roadies Journey]. However, I wouldn't call it being abusive, merely passionate."
Well, he is actually a shy guy in real life. "I cannot date. I am too shy. I have never spoken to a stranger in my life unless it is for work. Someone has to hook me up," Raghu Ram had said in a candid chat with mid-day after he announced his separation from first wife Sugandha Garg.
After dating for a brief period of time, Sugandha and Raghu tied the knot in 2006 and parted ways in 2016. They were granted a divorce in 2018. However, the two assured that it was a mutual decision and they continue being great friends. Raghu and Sugandha posted this picture and wrote, "Some things never change. Like the love I have for you. Like the fun we have always had together. Nothing ends. It changes and the next phase begins #FriendshipGoals #DivorceGoals [sic]."
However, this "shy guy" found love once again! In 2017, Raghu Ram fell in love with Italian-Canadian singer Natalie Di Luccio, who previously in a 4-year relationship with actor and TV host Eijaz Khan from 2011 to 2015.
Celebrating one year together as a couple, Raghu Ram posted the following on the occasion, "Natalie you once told me that you needed to believe in Magic. Well, here's your proof. You walked into my life a year ago today... and impossibly, everything inside me changed! I feel Love. I feel Happiness. I feel Hope. I feel. Again. All because of you! It has been a beautiful year of Love, Laughter and Adventure. Happy anniversary, baby! Keep believing in Magic. And that Happily Ever After is now. I love you. [sic]"
Natalie Di Luccio, who is a classical-crossover singer hailing from Toronto, Ontario in Canada is often referred to as "Bollywood's Soprano" because of her unique renditions of Indian classics. She has collaborated with noted Bollywood singers such Sonu Nigam, Amit Trivedi among others. Natalie has also crooned tracks for the films English Vinglish, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, and Chennai Express).
After proposing to her atop the Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa and Raghu Ram got engaged to Natalie Di Luccio in August 2018. The couple got married on December 12, 2018, in Goa in a traditional South Indian wedding, with their close friends and family in attendance.
His ex-wife, Sugandha Garg congratulated the couple on their new innings, and her congratulatory message read: "The new Mr. And Mrs. @instaraghu @nataliediluccio Congratulations..it's going to be epic from the looks of it....one from me and the other one from Zuk Zuk. We both love you both and can’t wait to see you back in Bombay! [sic]"
In August 2019, Raghu Ram announced that he and his wife Natalie Di Luccio are expecting their first baby together. He captioned the image: "Getting ready for the biggest adventure of my life yet! Natalie Di Luccio. #OverTheMoon." Natalie shared on social media: "This has been a hard secret to keep! We are so excited and can't wait to meet you little munchkin! #January2020 [sic]"
In January, this year, the couple was blessed with a baby boy - whom they named Rhythm. Natalie Di Luccio opted for water birth with hypnobirthing techniques. When asked the reason behind it, Raghu Ram was quoted saying, "It was for a beautiful, calm and natural process."
Embracing parenthood can be the most fulfilling and the most emotionally moving moment for any couple, and that stands true for Raghu Ram and Natalie Di Luccio. Natalie had even penned a poem for her son, which she shared on social media: "I am Rhythm. I was born at the moment of creation. I permeate the universe. Like light. Like love. I am present in the very ebb and flow of life. I can be felt in every heartbeat. You can hear me in every song. I can be found in the changing of seasons and in raindrops falling on a face turned up to the heavens. I cannot be contained in any one culture. I transcend countries and continents. I am global. Nay, I am Cosmic. Eternal. I am Rhythm. Hello World! [sic]"
Like a loving father, Raghu Ram posted this adorable picture of his son and wrote alongside, "Baby Rhythm is 1 Month old today. Such a small thing occupying such a big space in your heart... It's magic, isn't it? Thank you all for all your love and wishes! We love you too!"
He writes, he sings, he pens lyrics, he loves to travel, he is a loving husband and a doting father. Raghu Ram is anything but the 'rude and mean' Roadies host!
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