In an industry obsessed with youth, glamour, and public approval, Prakash Raj and Pony Verma’s love story stands out for its honesty, resilience, and emotional depth. It wasn’t a fairy-tale romance splashed across tabloids. Instead, it was a slow-burn connection that grew from shared work, mutual respect, and emotional maturity.
When Prakash Raj married Pony Verma — a woman 12 years younger than him — eyebrows were raised. When he became a father again at the age of 50, opinions poured in from every corner. Yet, the couple chose silence over spectacle and authenticity over approval.
This is the complete story of how two people found love on their own terms — and rewrote the rules along the way.
Table of Contents
Who Is Prakash Raj?
Prakash Raj is one of India’s most respected and versatile actors, known for his commanding screen presence and fearless opinions.
Basic Profile
Full Name: Prakash Raj
Birth Name: Prakash Rai
Date of Birth: March 26, 1965
Profession: Actor, Producer, Director, Activist
Industries: Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi
Over a career spanning three decades, Prakash Raj has played everything from intense villains and strict authority figures to emotionally layered character roles. Beyond cinema, he is known for his outspoken political views, philanthropy, and strong social conscience.
Who Is Pony Verma?
While Prakash Raj lived much of his life under public scrutiny, Pony Verma came from a completely different world.
Pony Verma at a Glance
Profession: Choreographer
Industry: Bollywood & Indian cinema
Known For: Dance choreography in Hindi films
Pony Verma carved her own identity behind the scenes, working with actors, dancers, and filmmakers. She preferred staying away from gossip columns, even after marrying a high-profile celebrity.
Her grounded personality would later play a crucial role in balancing Prakash Raj’s intense public and professional life.
Prakash Raj’s First Marriage and Divorce
Before Pony Verma entered his life, Prakash Raj was married to Lalitha Kumari.
First Marriage
Married in: 1994
Children: Two daughters and one son
For many years, Prakash Raj maintained a low-profile family life. However, tragedy struck when his son passed away in 2004 following a medical complication.
This loss deeply affected him and changed him emotionally.
Eventually, Prakash Raj and Lalitha Kumari separated and divorced in 2009. The actor has always spoken respectfully about his first marriage, choosing dignity over drama.
The First Meeting: How Prakash Raj Met Pony Verma
Prakash Raj and Pony Verma first met professionally, not romantically.
They crossed paths during film-related work where Pony Verma was involved as a choreographer. At that time:
Prakash Raj was already a senior, established actor
Pony Verma was focused on her career
There was no instant spark, no dramatic love-at-first-sight moment. Instead, what followed was conversation, understanding, and emotional companionship.
From Professional Bond to Love
What turned respect into love was emotional timing.
After the loss of his son and the breakdown of his first marriage, Prakash Raj was in a phase of deep introspection. Pony Verma offered:
Calmness
Emotional stability
Non-judgmental companionship
Their bond grew quietly — without announcements, without headlines. It was not about filling a void, but about sharing life honestly.
The 12-Year Age Gap That Made Headlines
When news of their relationship surfaced, the 12-year age difference became the focal point.
Age Gap Details
Prakash Raj: Born 1965
Pony Verma: Born approx. 1977
In Indian society — especially when the man is older — such gaps are often debated loudly.
But Prakash Raj addressed it with clarity:
“Age is not the measure of compatibility. Emotional maturity is.”
For him, companionship mattered more than numbers.
Why Their Relationship Faced Criticism
Their relationship faced criticism for multiple reasons:
Prakash Raj marrying again after divorce
The age gap
Public expectations of a “serious actor”
Pony Verma not being from the same linguistic film circles
Despite this, the couple chose privacy over public validation.
A Quiet Wedding Away from the Spotlight
In August 2010, Prakash Raj and Pony Verma tied the knot in a simple, private ceremony.
There were:
No lavish receptions
No media frenzy
No celebrity spectacle
The wedding reflected exactly who they were — two adults choosing companionship over convention.
Becoming a Father Again at 50
One of the most talked-about moments in Prakash Raj’s life came in 2015, when he became a father again at the age of 50.
Their Son
Name: Vedant
Born: 2015
For Prakash Raj, this was not just fatherhood — it was healing.
After losing a son years earlier, becoming a father again brought renewed meaning, joy, and emotional balance.
Fatherhood, Loss, and Healing
Prakash Raj has openly shared that fatherhood after 50 made him:
More patient
Emotionally grounded
Less ego-driven
He credits Pony Verma for giving him the strength to embrace life again — without fear.
How Marriage Changed Prakash Raj
Post-marriage, fans noticed changes in Prakash Raj:
Calmer demeanor
Balanced public presence
Increased focus on family
While he remained outspoken, there was a visible emotional maturity — shaped by personal evolution rather than age.
Pony Verma’s Role in Prakash Raj’s Life
Pony Verma has often been described as:
Emotionally strong
Grounded
Supportive yet independent
She never tried to overshadow Prakash Raj, nor live in his shadow. Instead, she built a partnership based on equality.
Public Reactions and Media Attention
Initially, media coverage focused on:
Age gap
Second marriage
Late fatherhood
Over time, the narrative changed — from controversy to quiet respect.
Today, Prakash Raj and Pony Verma are often cited as an example of mature love.
Love Beyond Age: What Their Story Teaches Us
Their story proves:
Love doesn’t follow timelines
Healing can happen at any age
Parenthood isn’t bound by numbers
Emotional compatibility matters more than social approval
Where Are They Now? (2026)
As of 2026:
Prakash Raj continues acting, producing, and engaging in social activism
Pony Verma remains involved in creative and personal pursuits
Their son Vedant is growing up away from the spotlight
They maintain a low-key, private family life — exactly how they chose it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the age difference between Prakash Raj and Pony Verma?
They have a 12-year age gap, with Prakash Raj being older.
Q2. When did Prakash Raj marry Pony Verma?
They got married in August 2010.
Q3. How old was Prakash Raj when he became a father again?
He became a father again at 50 years old in 2015.
Q4. Does Prakash Raj have children from his first marriage?
Yes, he has daughters from his first marriage and lost his son in 2004.
Q5. What is Pony Verma’s profession?
Pony Verma is a choreographer in the Indian film industry.
