Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu, born on August 9, 1975, in Madras, Tamil Nadu, is a prominent figure in Indian cinema. Hailing from a Telugu family, he is the fourth child of actor Krishna and Indira. Mahesh spent his early years in Madras, raised by his maternal grandmother, and was educated at St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai. Later, he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Loyola College, Chennai.
Early Career and Breakthrough (1979–2003)
Mahesh Babu’s journey in the film industry began as a child actor in the Telugu film Needa (1979). Over the next decade, he acted in several films, including Poratam (1983), Sankharavam (1987), and Koduku Diddina Kapuram (1989), showcasing his talent early on. In 1999, Mahesh debuted as a lead actor in Rajakumarudu, earning the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut and the title “Prince.”
His roles in Murari (2001) and Okkadu (2003) marked major milestones in his career. Murari brought him a Nandi Special Jury Award and a Filmfare nomination, while Okkadu established him as a leading star, earning him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
Rise to Stardom (2004–2010)
Mahesh Babu faced mixed success during this period. While Naani (2004) failed commercially, his performance in Athadu (2005) earned him a Nandi Award and solidified his position in Tollywood. His 2006 blockbuster Pokiri, directed by Puri Jagannadh, became a defining moment in his career, winning him another Filmfare Award and widespread acclaim.
Other films like Sainikudu (2006) and Athidhi (2007) met with moderate success. Following a brief hiatus, Mahesh returned with Khaleja (2010), which, despite its commercial failure in India, performed well overseas and earned critical praise.
Dominance in Telugu Cinema (2011–2015)
Mahesh Babu’s collaboration with Srinu Vaitla in Dookudu (2011) marked a major resurgence. The film became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year and earned him multiple awards, including his third Filmfare Award.
In Businessman (2012), he played a mafia kingpin, earning praise for his intense performance. The multistarrer Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013), co-starring Daggubati Venkatesh, became a critical and commercial success. His action thriller 1: Nenokkadine (2014) showcased a more experimental side of his acting, receiving mixed reviews but immense appreciation for his performance.
In 2015, Srimanthudu was a game-changer, with Mahesh co-producing the film. It earned him his fifth Filmfare Award and highlighted themes of rural development, inspiring real-life initiatives like village adoption.
Recent Work and Continued Success (2016–Present)
Mahesh’s Tamil debut came with Spyder (2017), a bilingual film that performed well at the box office despite mixed reviews. In Bharat Ane Nenu (2018), he portrayed a Chief Minister, earning accolades and another Filmfare nomination.
Maharshi (2019) addressed agricultural issues, creating a significant social impact and sparking trends like weekend farming. Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020) further cemented his status as a commercial star.
His recent ventures, including Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022) and the upcoming Guntur Kaaram (2024), highlight his enduring appeal. Mahesh is also set to collaborate with S. S. Rajamouli for a highly anticipated project.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Through the Mahesh Babu Foundation, he has significantly contributed to the welfare of underprivileged communities. The foundation funds congenital heart surgeries, provides scholarships, and adopts villages to improve infrastructure and healthcare. Notably, he adopted Burripalem in Andhra Pradesh and Siddhapuram in Telangana, spearheading development projects like school construction and vaccination drives.
Mahesh is also an ambassador for the “Heal-a-Child” Foundation and contributed extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic. He supports various causes discreetly, often donating a significant portion of his income to charity.
In the Media and Personal Life
Often referred to as the “Superstar of Tollywood,” Mahesh Babu is among the most influential figures in South Indian cinema. He has consistently appeared on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list and has a strong social media presence, with millions of followers.
In 2005, Mahesh married actress Namrata Shirodkar. The couple has two children, Gautam and Sitara, both of whom have ventured into creative pursuits. Mahesh’s family includes several notable figures in the Telugu film industry, further cementing their legacy.
Legacy and Influence
Mahesh Babu’s wax statue at Madame Tussauds Singapore and his appearances in pop culture reflect his widespread appeal. His career, marked by versatility and commitment to quality cinema, continues to inspire millions, making him a true icon of Indian cinema.
