Los Angeles politician Nithya Raman is making history after defeating incumbent Karen Bass to become the city’s first South Asian mayor. Her victory also marks the first time a sitting Los Angeles mayor has lost a reelection bid since 2005.
Raman, who has drawn comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, ran a progressive campaign supported by Senator Bernie Sanders. Her political platform focused on bringing a democratic socialist approach to City Hall.
Born in Trivandrum, Kerala, India, in 1981, Raman graduated from Harvard University before pursuing a career in urban planning and political activism. Before entering Los Angeles politics, she also worked in the entertainment industry as the entertainment director for the Time’s Up organization.
As she prepares to take on her new role, public interest is also growing around her personal life, particularly her marriage to television writer and producer Vali Chandrasekaran.
Chandrasekaran has built a successful Hollywood career, earning five Emmy nominations for his work on popular comedy shows, including Modern Family and 30 Rock. The couple first met while studying at Harvard University and married in 2010.
Their relationship has also attracted attention because of Chandrasekaran’s connection to the entertainment industry and his support for his wife’s political career.
“He loves the city more than me,” Raman told the Los Angeles Times.
Here’s what to know about Nithya Raman’s husband, his television career, their relationship, and their children.
What Does Nithya Raman’s Husband Vali Chandrasekaran Do?
Vali Chandrasekaran is a television writer and producer known for working on several popular comedy series.
After graduating from Harvard, he initially worked as a consultant for Boston Consulting Group, according to the Los Angeles Times. During that period, he also began writing television scripts. His spec scripts eventually helped him secure an agent and move into the entertainment industry.
He later joined the sitcom My Name Is Earl as a writer and co-producer, helping establish his career in television.
Chandrasekaran went on to work on several well-known comedy productions, including Modern Family, 30 Rock, and The Four Seasons. His work has earned him five Emmy nominations.
Beyond television, Chandrasekaran has also explored writing in other formats. In 2008, he co-authored the book The Ridiculous Race: 26,000 Miles, 2 Guides, 1 Globe, No Airplanes with fellow Harvard Lampoon alumnus Steve Hely.
He also created the Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel Genius Animals?, illustrated by Jun-Pierre Shiozawa.
His career in television and publishing has given him an established place in the entertainment industry, separate from his wife’s growing political profile.
How Did Nithya Raman Meet Her Husband?
Nithya Raman and Vali Chandrasekaran first met in 1999 while attending Harvard University.
At the time, Chandrasekaran was involved with The Harvard Lampoon, the university’s well-known humor publication. Although the two began their relationship during college, they eventually separated.
They reconnected after graduating and later decided to marry. The couple tied the knot in 2010 and have continued building their family and careers together.
Their relationship brings together two different professional worlds: Raman’s work in urban planning and public service and Chandrasekaran’s career in television and entertainment.
As Raman takes on a larger role in Los Angeles politics, Chandrasekaran is also expected to attract attention as the city’s potential first gentleman.
How Many Children Does Nithya Raman Have?
Nithya Raman and Vali Chandrasekaran have twins, a boy and a girl named Karna and Kaveri. According to the original report, the children recently turned 11.
The family lives in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, a city that holds personal importance for both parents.
Chandrasekaran has spoken about wanting Los Angeles to remain a place where his children can see opportunities to pursue creative careers and build their futures.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, he explained how he would feel if his children eventually wanted to leave the city for somewhere they considered more exciting or creative.
“If my kids didn’t want to live here because they thought somewhere else was a better place to make stuff, a cooler place to make stuff, that would break my heart. I want them to live their own lives, but I want L.A. to be the place that it was to me in their heads,” he told the newspaper.
His comments reflect the family’s personal connection to Los Angeles and their hopes for its future.
Nithya Raman’s Family Life Beyond Politics
While Raman’s political career has brought her into the public spotlight, her family life remains an important part of her story.
Her marriage to Chandrasekaran connects her to Hollywood through his work as a television writer and producer. At the same time, the couple has built a family while pursuing careers in very different fields.
As Raman prepares for her new responsibilities at Los Angeles City Hall, attention will likely remain on both her political plans and the family supporting her behind the scenes.
