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{{short description|Indian television producer and actor (born 1975)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Raghu Ram
| image = Raghu Ram on Mumbai Streets.jpg
| caption =
| birth_name = Raghu M Ram
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|04|15|df=y}}<ref name="econ"/>
| birth_place = [[Machilipatnam]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]]
| nationality =
| other_names =
| spouse = {{Marriage|[[Sugandha Garg]]|2006|2018|reason=divorced}}<br/>{{marriage|[[Natalie Di Luccio]]|2018}}
<ref name="time_Reas">{{Cite web | title = Reason behind Raghu Ram-Sugandha Garg's divorce revealed| last = Chaurasia | first = Ankita | work = [[The Times of India]] | date = 6 January 2016 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Reason-behind-Raghu-Ram-Sugandha-Gargs-divorce-revealed/articleshow/50465654.cms }}</ref>
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* [[Television producer]]
* [[Television presenter]]
* Actor
}}
| years_active = 2000–present
| known_for = ''[[MTV Roadies]]''
| notable_works =
| relatives = [[Rajiv Lakshman]] (brother)
}}

'''Raghu Ram Ambadapudi''' (born 15 April 1975)<ref name="mid-_Alli">{{Cite web | title = All in a day's work: Raghu Ram takes on Narendra Modi, Modi bhakts and BJP | author = A Correspondent | work = Mid-day | date = 12 May 2016 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://www.mid-day.com/articles/all-in-a-days-work-raghu-ram-takes-on-narendra-modi-modi-bhakts-and-bjp/17227186}}</ref><ref name="econ">{{Cite web | title = Take risks in your life. If you win you can lead ! If you loose, you can guide | author = 10 Minutes To 1 | work = [[The Economic Times]] | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/take-risks-in-your-life-if-you-win-you-can-lead-if-you-loose-you-can-guide/fab40show/46313772.cms }}</ref> is an Indian television producer and actor. He was earlier a senior supervising producer at [[MTV India]] and the creator of [[reality television]] shows ''[[MTV Roadies]]'', ''[[MTV Dropout Pvt Ltd.|MTV Dropout Pvt Ltd]]'' and ''[[MTV Splitsvilla]]''.<ref name="econ"/> He was married to actress [[Sugandha Garg]]. He has a twin brother, [[Rajiv Lakshman]] who worked with him on MTV Roadies. The brothers launched their own content studio called Monozygotic Solutions Pvt. Ltd in 2014.<ref name="time_Ragh">{{Cite web | title = Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman set to launch their next project | author = TNN | work = The Times of India | date = 30 July 2014 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/Raghu-Ram-and-Rajiv-Lakshman-set-to-launch-their-next-project/articleshow/39287263.cms }}</ref>

== Early life ==
Raghu Ram was born in an urban village [[Machilipatnam]], [[Andhra Pradesh]],<ref name="econ"/> along with his twin brother.<ref name="hind_Ragh">{{Cite web | title = Raghu Ram, the nudest man on Indian television | last = Jain | first = Saudamini | work = Hindustan Times | date = 24 November 2013 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/raghu-ram-the-rudest-man-on-indian-television/story-o9KuOMgm9t8SVhGHNfV5oJ.html }}</ref> His father is a [[chartered accountant]] and mother, a [[journalist]].<ref name="econ"/> They have a younger sister Supriya Nistala, who is married and has a daughter.<ref name="econ"/>
In the first year, he was a student of [[Deshbandhu College]], but in the second year, he joined [[Sri Venkateswara College]].<ref name="news_'Rea">{{Cite web | title = 'Rearview, My Roadies Journey' is all things about Raghu and Roadies | last = Gupta | first = Yatin | work = News18 | date = 22 February 2014 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://www.news18.com/news/books/rearview-my-roadies-journey-is-all-things-about-raghu-and-roadies-669947.html }}</ref> In the final year, he joined [[Osmania University]] in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] where he completed his graduation.<ref name="econ"/>

==Career==
===Early career===
[[File:Rajiv and raghu.jpg|thumb|right|Raghu Ram (left) with his brother Rajiv Lakshman]]
Raghu Ram started his career at [[MTV India]] supervising shows including ''MTV Love Line'' with [[video jockey|VJs]] [[Malaika Arora]] and [[Cyrus Broacha]], and also spearheaded ''MTV Select'' and the first few seasons of ''MTV Super Select'' with VJ Nikhil Chinapa.<ref name="econ"/>

In 2004, Ram appeared in the first season of the reality tv show ''[[Indian Idol]]'' as a contestant and was one of those who came to test his voice in front of the judges – [[Anu Malik]], [[Farah Khan]] and [[Sonu Nigam]].<ref name="indi_OMG!">{{Cite web | title = OMG! Did you know Raghu Ram actually auditioned for Indian Idol and was KICKED OUT?! | last = Ladage | first = Rutu | work = India.com | date = 31 May 2016 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://www.india.com/showbiz/omg-did-you-know-raghu-ram-actually-auditioned-for-indian-idol-and-was-kicked-out-1227387/}}</ref> He was rejected due to inefficient singing ability and signature attitude traits. He later explained in his autobiography that picking a fight with the judges was actually a prank he played, on the suggestion of one of his colleagues and his wife who were working there as moderators.<ref name="indi_OMG!"/>

===MTV India===
His idea of ''[[MTV Roadies]]'' was accepted as an experimental project by MTV in 2000.<ref name="econ"/> The show was tentatively titled ''MTV: Find The Road'', and was initially met with skepticism by the senior producers of the channel. It started to gain popularity from its second season onwards and went on to become the longest running reality show on Indian television.<ref name="news_'Rea"/> Ram was later appointed the senior supervising producer of MTV India and the executive producer of ''Roadies'' as well as ''[[MTV Splitsvilla]]'', another reality show which he had launched in 2008.<ref name="econ"/><ref name="time_Iamd">{{Cite web | title = I am done with Roadies: Raghu Ram | last = Misra | first = Iti Shree | work = The Times of India | date = 7 May 2014 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/I-am-done-woith-Roaadies-Raghu-Ram/articleshow/34832572.cms }}</ref>

In 2014, Ram announced that he wouldn't be attached with ''Roadies'' from [[MTV Roadies (season 12)|season X2]], after being associated with the show for 11 years.<ref name="time_Iamd"/><ref name="ibti_'MTV">{{Cite web | title = 'MTV Roadies': Esha Deol Replaces Raghu and Rajiv as Reality Show Judge | last = Mehta | first = Ankita | work = International Business Times, India Edition | date = 22 November 2014 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mtv-roadies-esha-doel-replaces-raghu-rajiv-reality-show-judge-614857 }}</ref> He said on [[Twitter]], "Roadies is happening. I'm not gonna do it though. I'm done with it. Moved on. About time, too."<ref name="decc_Esha">{{Cite web | title = Esha Deol, Karan Kundra and Vijender Singh to enter Roadies | last = Narwani | first = Natasha | work = [[Deccan Chronicle]] | date = 20 November 2014 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141120/entertainment-tvmusic/article/esha-deol-karan-kundra-and-vijender-singh-enter-roadies}}</ref>

In April 2011, Ram, along with ''MTV Roadies'' co-hosts, his brother Rajiv and Rannvijay Singh, had to face a difficult situation in [[Pune]] when some activists of [[Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad]] (ABVP) tried to blacken their faces.<ref name="time_ABVP"/> This was for using foul language on national television while they were participating in a promotional rally in the city.<ref name="time_ABVP">{{Cite web | title = ABVP is behaving like Poonam Pandey: Raghu | last = Misra | first = Iti Shree | work = The Times of India | date = 25 April 2011 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/ABVP-is-behaving-like-Poonam-Pandey-Raghu/articleshow/8072325.cms}}</ref>

Ram wrote an autobiography titled ''Rearview: My Roadies Journey'', published in 2013.<ref name=ibn-book>{{cite web |last=Gupta |first=Yatin |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rearview-my-roadies-journey-is-all-things-about-raghu-and-roadies/453577-40-101.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302111711/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rearview-my-roadies-journey-is-all-things-about-raghu-and-roadies/453577-40-101.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 March 2014 |title='Rearview, My Roadies Journey' is all things about Raghu and Roadies |date=22 February 2014 |website= ibnlive.in.com |access-date=1 May 2015}} {{ISBN|978-81-291-2911-6}}</ref>

===Post-''Roadies''===
In April 2016, Ram launched a web series titled ''[[A.I.SHA My Virtual Girlfriend]]'', a webcam fiction show, through the online content platform [[Arre (brand)|Arre]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/ott-services/arre-to-launch-new-series-aisha-my-virtual-girlfriend-160405|date=5 April 2016| website=IndianTelevision.com|access-date=10 May 2016|title=Arre to launch new series 'A.I.SHA - My Virtual Girlfriend'}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/raghu-ram-and-harman-singhas-new-web-show-may-scare-you-off-siri/17210157|last1=Banan| first1=Aastha|date=8 May 2016| website=[[Mid-Day]]|access-date=10 May 2016|title=Love in virtual hell: Raghu Ram and Harman Singha's new web show may scare you off Siri}}</ref><ref name="Aisha">{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/raghu-ram-launches-web-cam-fiction-show-a-i-s-h-a-my-virtual-girlfriend/|date=2 April 2016| website=IndianTelevision.com|access-date=10 May 2016|title=Raghu Ram launches web cam fiction show 'A.I.S.H.A – My Virtual Girlfriend'}}</ref>

In July 2017, Ram launched the reality show [[MTV_Dropout_Pvt_Ltd.|''Dropout Pvt Ltd'']], where the contestants perform tasks to get their business acumen judged and form a startup. He also appeared in the controversial AIB knockout with Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, popular stand-up comedy group AIB, critic Rajeev Masand, comedian Aditi Mittal and comedian Abish Mathew. It was hosted by a popular Bollywood film producer Karan Johar.

Ram along with his brother have performed in the comedy series ''[[Comedy Nights Bachao]]'' on [[Colors TV]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Raghu and Shruti roast Vivek Oberoi|url=http://www.voot.com/clip/raghu-and-shruti-roast-vivek-oberoi/431451|website=Voot|access-date=6 September 2016}}</ref> Raghu Ram has also performed in the comedy serial ''Entertainment Ki Raat''.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voot.com/bigg-boss/bigg-boss-season-12/bigg-boss-voting/webview|title=Bigg Boss 12 Voting & Elimination - Voot.com|first=Colors|last=TV|website=www.voot.com}}</ref>

In 2019, Ram and his brother Rajiv starred in [[Amazon Prime]]'s 'Skulls and Roses'. The show received negative reviews and it was not continued for the second season.

===Film career===
Ram and his brother have acted in a few Bollywood films like ''[[Tees Maar Khan (2010 film)|Tees Maar Khan]]'' in 2010 along with [[Akshay Kumar]] as the Johari brothers, though the film didn't do well at the box office.<ref name="time_Iamd"/> In the same year, Ram also acted in ''[[Jhoota Hi Sahi]]'' with actor [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]].<ref name="time_Iamd"/> His acting was appreciated by critics.<ref name="sify_<">{{Cite web | title = Jhootha Hi Sahi Plastic chemistry, lifeless music | last = Adarsh | first = Taran | work = Sify | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://www.sify.com/movies/i-jhootha-hi-sahi-i-plastic-chemistry-lifeless-music-review-bollywood-pclxI2jadaibi.html }}</ref> He was also nominated for the Best Singer Award at the [[Global Indian Music Academy Awards|GIMA Awards]] 2012 for his song "Manmani".<ref name="indi_Notj">{{Cite web | title = Not just a show host: There's more to know about Raghu Ram | work = [[India Today]] | date = 14 April 2015 | access-date = 2016-09-06 | url = http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/not-just-a-show-host-theres-more-to-know-about-raghu-ram/1/430038.html }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Raghuram was married to actress [[Sugandha Garg]], who has played roles in Hindi films ''[[Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na]]'', ''[[Tere Bin Laden]]'' and ''[[My Name Is Khan]]''.<ref name=ht-sugandu>{{cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Debasmita |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Sugandha-wants-to-act-with-Raghu/Article1-850658.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127012849/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Sugandha-wants-to-act-with-Raghu/Article1-850658.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 January 2013 |title=Sugandha wants to act with Raghu|work=[[Hindustan Times]] |location=New Delhi |date=4 May 2012 |access-date=7 December 2014}}</ref> In 2016, they announced their separation, after having been married for almost a decade. Their divorce was finalised in 2018.<ref name="time_Reas"/><ref>{{Cite web|title = Yes, Raghu and I are separating, confirms Sugandha Garg|url = http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/raghu-ram-roadies-i-separating-confirms-sugandha-garg/|website = [[The Indian Express]]|date = 2016-01-04|access-date = 2016-01-04}}</ref>

In 2018, he married singer [[Natalie Di Luccio]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Roadies' fame Raghu Ram marries girlfriend Natalie Di Luccio |url=https://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/roadies-fame-raghu-ram-marries-girlfriend-natalie-di-luccio/20181214.htm |access-date=14 December 2018 |work=Rediff.com |date=14 December 2018}}</ref> On 8 January 2020, they were blessed with a baby boy named Rhythm.<ref>[https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/television/roadies-fame-raghu-ram-wife-natalie-di-luccio-blessed-with-baby-boy-1138297]</ref><ref>[https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/raghu-ram-calls-him-and-wife-natalie-proud-parents-for-rhythm.html]</ref>

== Book ==
Raghu wrote a book on his life titled ''Rearview: My Roadies Journey'' which was published by [[Rupa Publications]] and was available in print from November 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.news18.com/news/books/rearview-my-roadies-journey-is-all-things-about-raghu-and-roadies-669947.html|title='Rearview, My Roadies Journey' is all things about Raghu and Roadies|date=2014-02-22|newspaper=News18|access-date=2016-10-08}}</ref> The book talks about various phases of his life, from his childhood to being the judge on ''Roadies''. He also talks about his love for music, brother Rajiv Lakshman and wife [[Sugandha Garg|Sugandha]]. The book was well received by his fans and revealed quite a lot about him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.guptakaushal.in/2014/03/book-review-raghu-rearview-my-roadies.html|title=Book Review : Raghu - Rearview My Roadies Journey|newspaper=Errors And Kaushal|access-date=2016-10-08}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last1=Ram|first1=Raghu|title=Rearview: My Roadies Journey|date=20 November 2013|publisher=Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd|isbn=978-81-291-3240-6|page=313|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8KmeAwAAQBAJ&q=Rearview:+My+Roadies+Journey |access-date=6 September 2016}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|4047586}}
* {{Twitter|tweetfromRaghu}}

{{Roadies}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ram, Raghu}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Identical twins]]
[[Category:Indian game show hosts]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Male actors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:People from Krishna district]]
[[Category:Twin people from India]]
[[Category:University of Delhi alumni]]
[[Category:MTV people]]

Raghu Ram - Revision history

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