“Superstar” and one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema Mahesh Babu is also a film producer, media personality, and philanthropist who works in iconic films like “Athadu,” “Pokiri,” “Dookudu,” “Businessman,” “Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu,” “Srimanthudu,” “Bharat Ane Nenu,” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Mahesh Babu, born Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu on August 9, 1975, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu. His family originates from Burripalem, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. Mahesh’s father, Krishna Ghattamaneni, was a celebrated Telugu actor and filmmaker. His mother, Indira Devi, raised him alongside four siblings. He has an elder brother Ramesh Babu, elder sisters Padmavathi and Manjula Swaroop, and younger sister Priyadarshini. His stepmother, Vijaya Nirmala, was a renowned Telugu actress and director, and his stepbrother, Naresh, is a Telugu actor.
Mahesh spent his childhood in Chennai under his maternal grandmother Durgamma’s care, as his father’s film commitments kept him busy. He attended St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai, where he was classmates with Tamil actors Suriya, Karthi, and Vijay. He pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Loyola College, Chennai. After graduation, he trained in acting under director L. Satyanand in Visakhapatnam for four months. Despite his fluency in Telugu, Mahesh cannot read or write the language, having been educated in Hindi and English.
Mahesh was introduced to the silver screen as a child artist in Dasari Narayana Rao’s “Needa” at the tender age of four. He appeared in eight more films as a child, including Poratam (1983), Sankharavam (1987), and Koduku Diddina Kapuram (1989), where he played a dual role. His father’s films often featured him in small parts.
Mahesh Babu On Screen
After a hiatus to focus on education, he returned as a lead actor in Rajakumarudu (1999), opposite Preity Zinta. The romantic comedy’s success earned him the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut, marking his entry into Telugu cinema as a hero.This marked the beginning of a career that would span decades, earning him not only critical acclaim but also a place in the hearts of millions.
In 2001 he strred in Krishna Vamsi’s supernatural drama “Murari” opposite Sonali Bendre. However, it was Gunasekhar’s action film “Okkadu” in 2003 that catapulted him to stardom. In the film Mahesh Babu portrayed a Kabaddi player who rescued a girl (Bhumika Chwala) from the obsession of Prakash Raj. His performance won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
In Trivikram Srinivas’ action thriller Athadu (2005), Mahesh played Nanda Gopal, a hired assassin framed for murder. His understated yet intense portrayal, paired with Trisha Krishnan, loved by audiences. The film earned Mahesh his second Nandi Award for Best Actor. Critics lauded its Hollywood-inspired screenplay and Mahesh’s stylish performance, calling it a career-defining role. Some of his other early films include Yuvaraju (2000),Vamsi (2000), Murari (2001), Takkari Donga (2002), Bobby (2002), Nijam (2003), Naani (2004), Arjun (2004), and Sainikudu (2006).
Directed by Puri Jagannadh, Pokiri (2006) featured Mahesh as Pandu, an undercover policeman pretending to be a thug navigating rival gangs. His charismatic performance, blending action, dance, and emotion, made the film a cultural phenomenon. It grossed ₹67 crore, holding the record as the highest-grossing Telugu film until 2009. Mahesh won a Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. The film’s screening at the IIFA Awards in Dubai boosted his global recognition.
The Superstar Mahesh Babu
Srinu Vaitla’s action-comedy Dookudu (2011) cast Mahesh as Ajay, a fearless cop, who hatched an elaborate plan to get rid of the corrupt politicians and criminals. His effortless comic timing and action sequences, alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu, drove the film’s success. It grossed over ₹100 crore, becoming the first Telugu film to achieve this milestone. Mahesh won his third Filmfare Award and third Nandi Award for Best Actor.
Mahesh plays Surya Bhai, an ambitious gangster aiming to dominate Mumbai’s underworld in Businessman. The action-crime thriller directed by Puri Jagannadh, also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Prakash Raj. The film blends high-octane action with sharp dialogue. Mahesh’s intense portrayal and stylish demeanor earned praise, though critics noted the plot’s predictability. It marked Mahesh’s second collaboration with Jagannadh after Pokiri.
In 2013 he starred in Srikanth Addala’s family drama “Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu,” alongside Venkatesh, Anjali, Samantha, and Prakash Raj. Mahesh plays Chinnodu, a carefree urban youth, opposite Venkatesh’s Peddodu, his serious elder brother. The story explores their contrasting personalities and efforts to mend family ties, with Anjali and Samantha Ruth Prabhu as love interests. Mahesh’s comic timing in Godavari slang and emotional depth stood out. Critics, including Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu, praised its celebration of family bonds and Mahesh’s convincing performance. His performance earned him another Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
In 2015 Mahesh starred in Koratala Siva’s action-drama Srimanthudu opposite Shruti Hassan. In film he played Harsha, a wealthy man adopting his ancestral village. He co-produced the film under G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, accepting profit shares instead of remuneration. His nuanced performance earned critical acclaim and a fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
Continuing Success
In Koratala Siva’s political drama Bharat Ane Nenu (2018), Mahesh plays Bharat Ram, an Oxford-educated man who becomes Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister. He fights corruption and implements reforms, facing personal and political challenges. His commanding screen presence and dialogue delivery impressed critics. The film, co-starring Kiara Advani, ranking as 2018’s second highest-grossing Telugu film.
Directed by Vamshi Paidipally, Maharshi is an action-drama with a focus on agriculture. Mahesh plays Rishi Kumar, a CEO who returns to India to support farmers, reconnecting with his roots. His nuanced performance, alongside Pooja Hegde and Allari Naresh, balanced corporate ambition and social responsibility. Critics gave mixed reviews, praising Mahesh’s charisma but noting a formulaic script. The film won a National Film Award for Best Popular Film. Mahesh’s ninth Nandi Award came for his role.
Anil Ravipudi’s action-comedy Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020) features Mahesh as Ajay Krishna, an army major tackling corruption in Kurnool. His energetic performance, blending humor and action with Rashmika Mandanna, entertained audiences. Neeshita Nyayapati noted Mahesh’s ability to balance comedy and patriotism. The film grossed over ₹260 crore, despite getting mixed reviews from critics.
In 2022 Mahesh starred in Parasuram Petla’s action-drama Sarkaru Vaari Paata. In the film he plays Mahesh, a US-based financier confronting a corrupt Indian banker. His romantic chemistry with Keerthy Suresh and sharp comic timing, as noted by Balakrishna Ganeshan of The News Minute, were highlights. The film grossed over ₹180 crore but received mixed reviews for its uneven screenplay.
Some of his other notable films include Some of his other notable films include Khaleja (2010), 1: Nenokkadine (2014), Aagadu (2014), Srimanthudu (2015), Brahmotsavam (2016), Spyder (2017), Guntur Kaaram (2024) and many more.
Personal Life
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Mahesh Babu is also recognized for his humanitarian efforts. He established the ‘Mahesh Babu Foundation’, which is dedicated to funding life-saving congenital heart surgeries for children in need. His role as a goodwill ambassador for Rainbow Hospitals further underscores his commitment to giving back to society.
Mahesh met Namrata Shirodkar on the set of Vamsi (2000). They dated for four years and married on February 10, 2005, during Athadu’s shoot. Namrata, a former Miss India and actress, is two and a half years older. She is the sister of famous actress Shilpa Shirodkar and granddaughter of iconic actress of yeasteryear Meenakshi Shirodkar.
They have two children: son Gautam Krishna (born August 31, 2006) and daughter Sitara (born July 20, 2012). Gautam was critically ill at birth but recovered with medical care. The family lives in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
As for his future projects, Mahesh Babu continues to be a force to reckon with in the Telugu film industry. His recent work includes ‘Guntur Kaaram’, and he is set to star in SS Rajamouli’s next directorial venture, with pre-production already underway.
Mahesh Babu on IMDB
