Mahesh Babu often referred to as the “Prince of Tollywood,” is one of the most celebrated and influential actors in the Telugu film industry. Born as Mahesh Ghattamaneni on August 9, 1975, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, he is the son of veteran Telugu actor Krishna. Babu has established himself as a leading figure in Indian cinema, particularly in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
### Early Life and Background
Babu grew up in a film-centric environment, with his father Krishna being one of the biggest stars in Telugu cinema. He was exposed to the world of acting at a very young age, which naturally influenced his career choice. Mahesh was educated at St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai, where he studied alongside Tamil actor Karthi. He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Loyola College, Chennai.
Though born into a family deeply rooted in the film industry, Mahesh Babu did not start his career as a lead actor immediately. His father was keen that he complete his education first, and so Mahesh only began acting in full-fledged roles after finishing his degree.
### Early Career
Babu made his debut as a child actor at the age of four in the film “Needa” (1979). Over the next few years, he appeared in a number of his father’s films, including “Poratam” (1983), “Shankharavam” (1987), “Bazaar Rowdy” (1988), “Mugguru Kodukulu” (1988), and “Gudachari 117” (1989). These early appearances helped Mahesh become comfortable in front of the camera and gain valuable experience.
He made his debut as a lead actor in 1999 with the film “Raja Kumarudu,” opposite Preity Zinta. Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, the film was a commercial success and earned Mahesh Babu his first Nandi Award for Best Male Debut. This film marked the beginning of a successful career in Telugu cinema.
### Rise to Stardom
After his debut, Mahesh Babu delivered a series of hits that established him as a rising star in the industry. Films like “Yuvaraju” (2000), “Vamsi” (2000), and “Murari” (2001) solidified his place in the industry. “Murari,” directed by Krishna Vamsi, was particularly notable for its strong storyline and Mahesh Babu’s performance, earning him another Nandi Award.
However, it was the 2003 film “Okkadu” that truly catapulted him to superstardom. Directed by Gunasekhar, “Okkadu” was a massive hit and is considered one of the defining films of Mahesh Babu’s career. His portrayal of a young Kabaddi player who saves a girl from a powerful faction leader won him widespread acclaim. The film’s success not only solidified his status as a leading actor but also earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
### Established Career
Following “Okkadu,” Mahesh Babu continued to deliver hits and was known for his choice of diverse roles. Films like “Athadu” (2005), “Pokiri” (2006), and “Dookudu” (2011) further established him as a versatile actor capable of handling a wide range of characters.
“Pokiri,” directed by Puri Jagannadh, was a game-changer for Mahesh Babu. His role as Pandu, an undercover cop posing as a thug, became iconic. The film was a massive commercial success and was later remade in several other languages, including Hindi and Tamil. Mahesh Babu’s performance in “Pokiri” earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
In 2011, Mahesh Babu starred in “Dookudu,” directed by Srinu Vaitla. The film was a blockbuster, becoming one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time at the time of its release. Mahesh’s portrayal of a tough cop with a humorous side was widely appreciated, and he won several awards for his performance, including another Filmfare Award.
### Recent Success and Continued Popularity
Babu has continued to enjoy success in the Telugu film industry with a string of hits. Films like “Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu” (2013), “Srimanthudu” (2015), and “Bharat Ane Nenu” (2018) have been both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
“Srimanthudu” was particularly significant as it marked Mahesh Babu’s debut as a producer under his banner G. Babu Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The film, directed by Koratala Siva, was a social drama that addressed the issue of rural development and Mahesh’s performance as a wealthy businessman who adopts a village was highly praised. The film was a huge commercial success and reinforced Mahesh Babu’s position as a socially responsible star.
In “Bharat Ane Nenu,” Mahesh Babu played the role of a young Chief Minister, a role that resonated with audiences and showcased his ability to take on roles with political and social undertones. The film was another blockbuster, adding to Mahesh Babu’s list of successful ventures.
### Personal Life
Babu married former actress Namrata Shirodkar in 2005. The couple has two children, a son named Gautam Krishna and a daughter named Sitara. Mahesh Babu is known to be a family man, and he often speaks about the importance of his family in his life.
Despite his immense popularity, Mahesh Babu is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. He is often described as a private person who prefers to stay out of the limelight when not working. This trait has only endeared him further to his fans.
### Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
Babu is not just a superstar in the film industry but also a philanthropist. He has been actively involved in several charitable activities and has adopted two villages in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where he has worked on improving basic infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities. His philanthropic efforts are often carried out quietly, without much media attention, which reflects his genuine commitment to social causes.
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### Legacy and Impact
Babu’s impact on the Telugu film industry is undeniable. He is one of the highest-paid actors in India and has a massive fan following across the country and among the Telugu-speaking diaspora worldwide. His films are known for their high production values, strong storytelling, and powerful performances
