The Tamil entertainment industry is no stranger to drama, but the recent news surrounding actor and chef Madhampatty Rangaraj has set social media platforms alight. Known for his roles in Mehandi Circus and his charismatic presence as a judge on Cooku with Comali, Rangaraj’s personal life has taken center stage following his second marriage to celebrity stylist Joy Crizildaa and the subsequent announcement of her pregnancy. The whirlwind of events, coupled with lingering questions about his first marriage, has left fans and netizens buzzing with curiosity, speculation, and debate. Here’s the complete story of Madhampatty Rangaraj’s recent life events and the controversy they’ve ignited.

A Culinary Star Turned Actor

Madhampatty Rangaraj’s journey to fame is a testament to his multifaceted talents. Born on April 2, 1983, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Rangaraj initially carved a niche for himself in the culinary world. Starting his career in 1999, he transformed his family’s small-scale catering business into a corporate enterprise, catering to over 400 high-profile weddings, including that of actor Karthi. His innovative green guava chutney became a signature offering, earning him widespread recognition. Rangaraj’s charisma and culinary expertise eventually led him to Bengaluru, where he opened a restaurant before returning to his hometown to focus on catering for film crews.

His foray into entertainment began with a lead role in the 2019 romantic drama Mehandi Circus, which was both a critical and commercial success. He followed this with a role in Penguin (2020) and solidified his popularity as a judge on Cooku with Comali, replacing chef Venkatesh Bhat in the fifth and sixth seasons. His infectious energy and wit made him a household name, but it’s his personal life that’s now capturing the public’s attention.

A Surprise Wedding and Pregnancy Reveal

On July 26, 2025, Joy Crizildaa, a renowned costume designer and stylist who has worked with Tamil cinema stars like Thalapathy Vijay, took to Instagram to announce her marriage to Rangaraj. The intimate temple ceremony was marked by traditional attire, with Rangaraj applying kumkum to Joy’s forehead, a moment captured in viral photos captioned “Mr & Mrs Rangaraj.” Just hours later, Joy shared another post, revealing she was six months pregnant, with the caption “Baby loading 2025. We are pregnant. 6th month of pregnancy.” The images, showcasing her baby bump, sent shockwaves across social media, with fans flooding platforms like X with reactions ranging from congratulations to confus

Joy, born on August 28, 1988, is a seasoned professional in the fashion industry, having transitioned from television production to costume design after earning a diploma in fashion designing. Her Instagram bio now proudly reads “Wife of Madhampatty Rangaraj,” reflecting her excitement about this new chapter. However, the rapid succession of these announcements has raised eyebrows, particularly due to Rangaraj’s existing marital history.

Controversy Surrounding the First Marriage

The celebratory mood was quickly overshadowed by controversy, as Rangaraj’s first wife, Shruthi Rangaraj, an advocate from Coimbatore, has claimed they are still legally married. Shruthi, who shares two sons with Rangaraj, has been active on social media, frequently posting family photos that include her husband. Her Instagram bio continues to identify her as “Madhampatty Rangaraj’s wife,” and as of July 28, 2025, the couple still follows each other on the platform. Earlier in February 2025, Shruthi firmly denied divorce rumors, sharing a family photo captioned “My World! My Tribe My Pride!!” to assert their unity.

The lack of clarity regarding Rangaraj’s marital status has fueled intense speculation. Social media users have been vocal, with some labeling the situation as “worse than Jayam Ravi’s,” referencing another high-profile Tamil celebrity divorce saga. Comments on X have questioned Rangaraj’s silence, with one user stating, “That guy still didn’t get divorce from his first wife with two kids... Pathetic man.” Others have expressed sympathy for Shruthi, noting her continued public association with Rangaraj.

Joy Crizildaa’s Past and Public Reaction

Adding another layer to the narrative, Joy Crizildaa was previously married to director J.J. Frederick in 2018, but the couple divorced in 2023. Her relationship with Rangaraj first sparked rumors in early 2025 when she posted about spending Valentine’s Day with him, calling him “my man” and sharing images of a sunflower bouquet he gifted her. These posts, which she later deleted amid backlash, hinted at a romantic connection that predates the wedding.

The public’s reaction has been polarized. While some fans celebrate the couple’s joy, others criticize Rangaraj for what they perceive as a lack of transparency. His vague response in a past Cinema Vikatan interview—“I am aware of what’s going around. If needed, I’ll talk about it openly”—has done little to quell the controversy. As of now, neither Rangaraj nor Shruthi has issued an official statement addressing the second marriage or pregnancy.

The Road Ahead

The unfolding saga of Madhampatty Rangaraj’s personal life has captivated audiences, blending admiration for his professional achievements with intrigue over his personal decisions. As a chef, actor, and entrepreneur, Rangaraj has built a remarkable career, but his silence amid this controversy leaves many questions unanswered. Will he address the allegations regarding his first marriage? How will Shruthi respond to the public narrative? For now, social media remains a battleground of opinions, with fans eagerly awaiting clarity on this complex and emotional story.

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