Mahesh Babu Biography, Age, Early Life, Career, and More
Mahesh Babu is one of the most celebrated actors in Telugu cinema, known for his charisma, acting prowess, and a strong fan base that spans across generations. His journey from a child actor to one of the leading stars in the Indian film industry is a testament to his talent and hard work. Mahesh Babu’s versatility, combined with his striking screen presence, has earned him a spot among the top actors in Tollywood.
Personal Details
Full Name | Mahesh Babu Ghattamaneni |
Date of Birth | August 9, 1975 |
Age | 49 years (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Profession | Actor, Producer |
Nationality | Indian |
Marital Status | Married to Namrata Shirodkar |
Children | 2 (Gautam and Sitara) |
Debut Film | Raja Kumarudu (1999) |
Notable Works | Pokiri, Srimanthudu, Bharat Ane Nenu |
Years Active | 1979–present |
Mahesh Babu Biography
Mahesh Babu, often referred to as the “Prince of Tollywood,” was born into a family deeply rooted in the Telugu film industry. His father, Krishna Ghattamaneni, is a veteran actor, and Mahesh grew up surrounded by cinema. His acting career began at a very young age when he appeared in several films as a child actor in the 1980s. After completing his education, Mahesh made his full-fledged debut in 1999 with Raja Kumarudu, which became a commercial success and earned him his first of many accolades.
Over the years, Mahesh Babu’s career has soared, and he has delivered some of the biggest blockbusters in Telugu cinema, earning him both critical acclaim and a massive fan following.
Age and Early Life
Mahesh Babu was born on August 9, 1975, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, into a prominent film family. His father, Krishna, was a leading actor, and his mother, Indira Devi, played a significant role in shaping his early life. Growing up, Mahesh spent much of his childhood on film sets, watching his father work, which sparked his interest in acting.
Mahesh completed his schooling at St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai and later earned a degree in Commerce from Loyola College, Chennai. Despite his early exposure to cinema, Mahesh took his time before entering the industry, opting to complete his education first.
After his education, Mahesh returned to the film industry, where he worked hard to carve his niche as a leading actor in Tollywood.
Career Highlights
Early Success
Mahesh Babu’s debut film, Raja Kumarudu (1999), directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, marked the beginning of his successful career. The film was a commercial hit, and Mahesh was lauded for his performance, earning the title “Prince” from his fans. His early career saw several successful films, including Murari (2001) and Okkadu (2003). Okkadu was a major milestone in his career, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year and establishing Mahesh as a bankable star.
Blockbuster Hits
Mahesh Babu has consistently delivered hit films throughout his career, and his ability to choose scripts that resonate with audiences has played a key role in his sustained success. One of his most iconic films, Pokiri (2006), directed by Puri Jagannadh, was a game-changer. Mahesh’s portrayal of an undercover cop became legendary, and the film broke box-office records, later being remade in several other languages, including Hindi (Wanted).
Another significant film in Mahesh’s career was Dookudu (2011), which became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of its time. His performance in the film won him several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
In 2015, Mahesh starred in Srimanthudu, a socially relevant film that dealt with the concept of village adoption and rural development. The film not only performed well at the box office but also inspired several real-life village adoptions. Mahesh’s role as Harsha, a wealthy businessman with a strong sense of social responsibility, earned him praise from critics and fans alike.
In 2018, Mahesh delivered another massive hit with Bharat Ane Nenu, in which he played the role of a young Chief Minister striving to bring about change in the political system. The film was both a commercial and critical success, and Mahesh’s performance was hailed as one of the best in his career.
Recent Success
Mahesh Babu’s most recent films, Maharshi (2019) and Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020), continued his streak of box-office success. In Maharshi, he played the role of an entrepreneur who returns to his roots and champions the cause of farmers. The film resonated with the audience, earning Mahesh another round of applause for his performance.
Sarileru Neekevvaru, an action-comedy, saw Mahesh in a more light-hearted role, playing an army major. The film was a commercial hit, further cementing his status as one of the top actors in the Telugu film industry.
Future Projects
As of 2024, Mahesh Babu is working on Guntur Kaaram, directed by Trivikram Srinivas, which is highly anticipated by his fans. His commitment to choosing strong scripts and working with renowned directors has made him a consistent presence in Telugu cinema’s top tier.
Personal Life and Interests
Mahesh Babu married actress Namrata Shirodkar in 2005, and the couple has two children, Gautam and Sitara. Despite his stardom, Mahesh maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family when not working on films. His son Gautam made a cameo appearance in 1: Nenokkadine (2014), further continuing the family’s connection to cinema.
Mahesh is also known for his philanthropic work. He has adopted two villages, Burripalem in Andhra Pradesh and Siddhapuram in Telangana, where he has taken steps to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His social initiatives reflect the socially responsible roles he often plays on-screen.
Outside of acting, Mahesh is passionate about fitness, and he maintains a disciplined lifestyle to stay in shape for his action-packed roles. He is also involved in brand endorsements and runs a production company, G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment.
Conclusion
Mahesh Babu is an actor who has stood the test of time in the Telugu film industry, evolving with each role and maintaining his popularity through sheer talent and dedication. From his early days as a child actor to becoming one of the most successful stars in Indian cinema, Mahesh’s journey is a remarkable one. His combination of commercial success and meaningful films has made him a favorite among fans and critics alike.
With several exciting projects lined up, Mahesh Babu continues to be a dominant force in Tollywood, and his influence on the industry shows no signs of slowing down. His legacy as one of the finest actors in Telugu cinema is firmly established, and his future looks as bright as ever.