The younger son of veteran actorKrishna, Mahesh Babu made his debut as a child artist in a cameo role in a Telugu film calledNeeda (1979), at the age of four. He went on to act as a child artist in the filmsSankharavam (1987),Bazaar Rowdy,Mugguru Kodukulu (both 1988) andGudachari 117 (1989). He played a dual role in the filmKoduku Diddina Kapuram (1989). Babu then appeared inBalachandrudu andAnna Thammudu (both 1990). He made his debut as a lead actor withRajakumarudu (1999) which won him the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut.[3]
Mahesh Babu established "Mahesh Babu Foundation", which focuses on supporting children in need by funding life-savingcongenital heart surgeries.[4] He owns the production house G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment.[5] He is also associated withRainbow Hospitals as their goodwill ambassador.[6] He entered into the film exhibition business in partnership with Asian Group in 2018, with the inauguration of the seven-screen multiplex, AMB cinemas atGachibowli.[7] He is married to actressNamrata Shirodkar.[8]
In 1999, Babu made his debut as a lead actor with the romantic comedyRajakumarudu, and people began referring to him with the title Prince.[19] For his performance, he received the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut.[20] He starred in two films the following year –Yuvaraju andVamsi, where he was paired oppositeNamrata Shirodkar.[21][22] He also starred inKrishna Vamsi'sMurari (2001) oppositeSonali Bendre, which he regarded as an important film in his career.[23][24] For his role inMurari, he earned aNandi Special Jury Award, in addition to his first nomination for theFilmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.[20] A critic fromSify stated, "Both Mahesh and Sonali Bendre look charming and Mahesh is in his elements as light-hearted prankster."[25]
In 2002, his performance inTakkari Donga landed him his second Nandi Special Jury Award.[20] He had two film releases in 2003, the first one beingGunasekhar'sOkkadu co-starringBhumika Chawla.[26] He won his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in the film.[27] The other release wasNijam co-starringRakshita.[28] Babu received praise from critics for his performance in the film, with Vijayalaxmi ofRediff.com calling him the only reason to watch the film's second half which she termed "a routine tale of vendetta".[29] He won his firstNandi Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film, in addition to his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.[30]
Mainstream film and commercial success (2004–2010)
In 2004, Manjula produced his next film,[31]Naani, directed byS. J. Surya co-starringAmisha Patel. While its simultaneously shot Tamil versionNew featuring a different cast proved to be commercially successful,Naani flopped at the box office.[32] He received his third Nandi Special Jury Award for his performance in his next film,Arjun, directed by Gunasekhar and produced by Ramesh.[33] The film released on 18 August 2004[34] and was successful at the box-office.[35] The film was screened at theInternational Film Festival of India in the mainstream section. This was Keerthi Reddy's final acting performance prior to her retirement from the film industry.[36] He chose to act inTrivikram Srinivas'sAthadu (2005), co-starringTrisha Krishnan, whose script had been approved back in 2002 before the production ofNaani andArjun had begun.[37][38] It emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.[39][40] The film proved to be a major boost for Babu's career as he received his fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, in addition to fetching his second Nandi Award for Best Actor for his performance in the role of a hired assassin.[41]Idlebrain.com gave it a rating of 3.25/5 and mentioned Mahesh Babu is stylish and brilliant as professional killer.[42]Cinegoer.net gave a review stating, "True the film gives an image of aHollywood base for the drama. Even the taking, screenplay structure and execution of scenes, less talk and more action.[43]
He then collaborated withPuri Jagannadh in 2006 for the filmPokiri oppositeIleana D'Cruz, which was jointly produced by Jagannadh and Manjula.[44] He received high praise for his performance, with Y. Sunita Chowdary ofThe Hindu opining that "Mahesh's understated performance inPokiri allows him effortlessly to reclaim the title of a star, overshadowing his questionable career choices of late".[44] He won his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in the film.[45] That same year, his next film,Sainikudu, was released.[46] A critic fromRediff.com wrote that "Nonetheless,Sainikudu can be watched at least for its premise of letting the warrior in each individual surface, and the fact that it is done with the idea of motivating people to do something for their fellow humans".[47]
The following year saw Babu acting in the filmAthidhi, co-starringAmrita Rao, marking her Telugu debut. The film was produced by Mahesh Babu's's brother Ramesh.[48] UTV Motion Pictures acquired the film's distribution rights for₹18.5 crore, which became its first Telugu film venture.[49] Jeevi ofIdlebrain.com praised the film's first half while criticising the last thirty minutes of the film.[50] A critic fromRediff.com wrote that the film "is built up through a 'racy' screenplay which is gripping to an extent, but stretches to three long hours".[51]
AfterAthidhi's release, Babu took a break from films for seven months; two months later, he signedKhaleja, but the break was unintentionally extended for two years due to several delays. During this time, Babu's grandmother and his wife Namrata's parents died. Krishna was worried about Babu's career as the film's shoot was delayed for so long.[52] The film deals withillegal-mining in India, and related environmental damage.[53] It marks Babu's return as an actor after a three-year hiatus in his second collaboration with Trivikram afterAthadu. Upon release,Khaleja received positive reviews from critics but was a commercial failure in India.[54] However, it managed to perform well at the overseas box office becoming the highest grossing Telugu film at that time.[55]Rediff gave a 3 out of 5 rating and noted "The duo of Mahesh-Trivikram delivers a product that is watchable, entertaining with good humour, couple of well-orchestrated action sequences and songs and with a bit to take home as well. It's Mahesh's show all the way, much to the delight of his fans. Mahesh is the soul of the movie, be it his dialogue delivery, his action, his dances or emotions, he is effortless.[56] The film is included in the list of "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade" byFilm Companion.[57]
In 2011, Babu collaborated withSrinu Vaitla for the filmDookudu oppositeSamantha Ruth Prabhu.[58] For his performance in the film, Babu won his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, his third Nandi Award for Best Actor,[59] and his firstSIIMA Award for Best Actor (Telugu).[60][61] After the film's gross crossed the₹100 crore mark making it the highest-grossing Telugu film of that year. The Income Tax Department officials conducted a raid on Babu'sJubilee Hills residence as he was rumoured of receiving a remuneration of more than₹12 crore for his next projects.[62]
He later played the role of amafia kingpin with a hidden personal agenda in the filmBusinessman (2012), co-starringKajal Aggarwal.[63] Upon the film's release, he received praise from critics for his performance in the film, with Y. Sunita Chowdary ofThe Hindu writing, "The film has no frills, no vulgar wastage and the hero is practically in every frame; you hear only his voice, he looks good, sounds good, he also steals the comedian's job. Mahesh plays it straight".[64] He received his seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and his second nomination for the SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Telugu) for his performance in the film.[65][66] By then, Babu was reported to be the second highest-paid actor inSouth India afterRajinikanth.[67]
Babu then began filming forSrikanth Addala'sSeethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013), whose script Babu had approved during the pre-production phase ofDookudu.[68] Co-starringDaggubati Venkatesh along withAnjali andSamantha Ruth Prabhu, it became the first Telugumultistarrer film to be produced in the last twenty-five years.[69] Released in January 2013, the film became one of the highest grossing Telugu films of the year and marked the completion of Babu's hat-trick of successful films.[70] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo ofThe Hindu called the film a "delightful family drama with its celebration of family bonds, love and marriage laced with laughter", and Addala "wants to leave his audience with a thought, wants them to reflect on their relationships and overlook skirmishes that can sour family bonds". Dundoo cited Guhan's cinematography as one of the film's highlights, and praised its performances.[71] He won his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and his second SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Telugu) for his performance in the film.[72][73] He provided a voice-over for Srinu Vaitla'sBaadshah the same year.[74]
Babu had two releases in 2014, the first one beingSukumar's1: Nenokkadine, an action thriller focusing on a celebrity suffering from hallucinations related to the murder of his parents and the discovery of a special variety of rice.[75] Babu's performance received praise, with critics calling it one of his best performances.[76][77][78] For his performance, he received his fourth nomination for the SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Telugu).[79]
Babu collaborated withKoratala Siva for the action drama filmSrimanthudu (2015) oppositeShruti Haasan. He co-produced the film under his newly formed bannerG. Mahesh Babu Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, marking his first film production venture.[80] He opted to do so to control the film's budget, accepting a share in profits in lieu of remuneration.[81] Released on 7 August 2015,Srimanthudu opened to positive reviews from critics,[82] and he won his fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for the film.[83][84] Sethumadhavan N. ofBangalore Mirror stated,Srimanthudu wouldn't have been as effective if it did not have Mahesh Babu who is at his charming best, adding that he "underplays the emotional scenes, making them a treat to watch".[85] Babu also adopted his native village,Burripalem.[86] Babu won third SIIMA award for best actor for his performance in the film.[87]
In 2016, he appeared inBrahmotsavam opposite Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu andPranitha Subhash. Originally produced as a bi-lingual, the film would've marked Babu's first straight-out Tamil film.[88] While the film underperformed at thebox office, theDeccan Chronicle stated that Mahesh Babu was its saving grace.[89]
He later appeared in the Telugu-Tamil bilingualSpyder (2017), directed byA. R. Murugadoss, which finally marked his Tamil cinema debut[90] and grossed over ₹118 crores at the box office.[91] The film received mixed reviews, with praise for the cast performances, but criticism for its writing, screenplay and direction.[92] Y. Sunita Chowdary ofThe Hindu stated that "Spyder starts off well but the director's imagination goes overboard only to turn a purpose ridden plot to a piece of travesty".[93]
Continued success and career fluctuation (2018–present)
Babu's next film was the political action dramaBharat Ane Nenu in 2018 where he played the role of a chief minister oppositeKiara Advani.[94] His performance in the film earned him his tenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. His next film wasMaharshi in 2019 oppositePooja Hegde.[95] Hemanth Kumar ofFirstpost mentioned the film owes a lot to Mahesh Babu's conviction to pull off his role and he makes you believe in his characterisation so much that it doesn't feel like fiction.[96] Both the films were commercial success and ranks among the highest grossing Telugu films of their respective years.[97] After the release of the film, the concept of weekend farming (also known as weekend agriculture) gained more attention.[98] A newinternet challenge. i.e. Agriculture Challenge was started, with several people do farming in the weekends.[99]The Statesman reported that the film has created a social impact on the youth and raised awareness about the issues faced by farmers in the rural heartland.[100] In February 2020,Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies organised the contest "Campus Farming". 250 students of the university participated in this contest.[101]
Babu performed in the 2020 filmSarileru Neekevvaru oppositeRashmika Mandanna, earning him an eleventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.[102] The satellite rights of the film were sold toGemini TV,[103] which premiered it on 25 March 2020 for the first time on eve ofUgadi and in its first Television premier movie recorded aTRP of 23.4.[104] Neeshita Nyayapati stated that Babu did a "good job of playing a man who will serve the country, crack jokes and protect".[105] The film was a major commercial success ranking as theone of the highest grossing Telugu film of all time. It remains Babu's highest grossing release.[106]
With no film in 2021, Babu's next filmSarkaru Vaari Paata, marking his maiden collaboration with directorParasuram was released in 2022, oppositeKeerthy Suresh.[107] The film was released in May 2022 to mixed reviews from critics. Balakrishna Ganeshan ofThe News Minute wrote "It is great to see Mahesh Babu shedding his macho image and wooing a woman in the film. Mahesh is a delight to watch in these scenes. His comic timing and dialogue delivery are on point".[108][109] Haricharan Pudipeddi of theHindustan Times stated "Mahesh Babu offers something fresh in his latest film."[110] A commercial success, it was one of the year's highest grossing film.[111] Babu then producedMajor under byG. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, a film based on the life ofMajorSandeep Unnikrishnan who was martyred in action in the2008 Mumbai attacks, in the same year.[112][113]
With no release in 2023, Babu reunited withTrivikram Srinivas for their third collaboration in the filmGuntur Kaaram, oppositeSreeleela, which was released in 2024.[114] The movie was a financial failure and received mostly negative reviews, but Babu's performance was praised.[115] Although his performance in the song "Kurchi Madathapetti" was widely appreciated.[116]
Mahesh Babu established, "Mahesh Babu Foundation", to improve the lives of underprivileged children and communities. The foundation primarily focuses on supporting children in need by funding life-savingcongenital heart surgeries. The foundation also co-runs the charitable trust and non-profit organisation "Heal A Child" in collaboration with Andhra Hospitals andRainbow Hospitals.[4] It also recognises the importance of education and providesscholarships to meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds. Recognizing the need for holistic development, the Mahesh Babu Foundation adopted two villages,Burripalem inAndhra Pradesh andSiddhapuram inTelangana. In these villages, the foundation has undertaken various initiatives to improve the quality of life, including constructing schools, Anganwadi buildings, libraries, roads, and drainage systems. Additionally, they have established computer labs to equip villagers with crucial digital skills. The foundation also conducts regular medical checkups, distributes medicines to those in need, and has fully vaccinated the entire population of the adopted villages againstCOVID-19. Through health awareness programs, the foundation strives to empower villagers to make informed decisions about their well-being.[117]Babu has also supported AIG Hospitals' "End Corona Campaign", which was aimed at creating awareness about theCOVID-19 vaccine.[118] It was one of the world's largest virtual awareness campaigns on the COVID-19 vaccine.[119]
He was signed in 2013 as the goodwill ambassador of Heal-a-child Foundation, a non-profit organisation that offers financial support to the parents of terminally ill children to help with the cost of medical treatment.[120] Babu gives 30% of his annual income to charities, and most of his philanthropic activities are unpublicised because he prefers them to be so.[121] He joined Farhan Akhtar'sMen Against Rape and Discrimination (MARD) campaign in August 2013 and lent his voice to the Telugu version of a poem written by Javed Akhtar.[122] In October 2014, he donated₹25lakh to a relief fund run by thechief minister of Andhra Pradesh for reconstruction of areas destroyed duringCyclone Hudhud.[123]
Mahesh Babu at the audio launch forSelvandhan (the Tamil dubbed version ofSrimanthudu)
Babu is widely referred in the media as "Superstar of Tollywood",[124] and "Prince Mahesh Babu".[125] One of the highest paid South Indian actor, Babu stood in 31st place onForbes India'sCelebrity 100 list for the year 2012, with annual earnings of₹42.25 crore.[126] He slipped to 54th place on the same list for the year 2013, with his annual earnings dropping to₹28.96 crore.[127] In the following year, he climbed to the 30th position with an annual earning figure of₹51 crore.[128] In 2015, he placed 36th, the highest rankingTelugu celebrity, with an income of₹51 crore.[129] He was placed 37th, 33rd and 54th consecutively in the years leading up to 2019 with an annual earning of₹35 crore.[130]
Due to his popularity, Babu became the second most searched South Indian actor onGoogle, in 2022. In 2023, he became the sixth most searched South actor on the same list.[131][132] Babu has appeared onTimes Most Desirable Man list several times. He was ranked twelfth for the year 2010,[133] fifth in 2011,[134] and second in 2012.[135] He climbed to the first position of the same list for the year 2013.[136] He stood at sixth place on the same list for the year 2014,[137] sixth in 2015,[138] seventh in 2016,[139] and sixth in 2017.[140] In 2019, his wax statue was unveiled inMadame Tussauds Singapore.[141]Hindustan Times reported that he was the first Telugu actor to get a wax statue at Madame Tussauds.[142] He was also the first Indian actor whose wax statue was flown back for a day for unveiling at his hometown.[143]
A research study conducted in 2023 by Indian Institute of Human Brands (IIHB) stated that Babu was the "most respected" in Telugu cinema. The study was based on several attributes covering image, personality and other human factors.[144] Babu became the most tweeted-about South Indian actor in 2020. In 2021, he became the third most tweeted-about actor on the same list.[145][146] Babu stood at the 11th place onForbes India's most influential stars on Instagram in South cinema for the year 2021.[147] As of August 2024, he is one of the most-followed Telugu actors onInstagram.[148] Babu's has appeared in several Telugu films such asAshta Chamma (2008),[149]Kiraak (2014),[150] andSuperstar Kidnap (2015).[151] Babu is a celebrity endorser for several brands such asMountain Dew,Jos Alukkas,Emami Navaratna,PhonePe andDenver Perfume.[152][153][154]
Mahesh is the fourth child in a family of five children. His elder brotherRamesh Babu was a film producer and was also an actor. Mahesh Babu's eldest sister Padmavathi is married toGalla Jayadev, an industrialist andMember of the Indian Parliament from theTelugu Desam Party.[159] His elder sisterManjula is a film producer, director, and an actress.[160] Priyadarshini, his younger sister, is married toSudheer Babu, who later made his debut as an actor in Telugu cinema.[161][162]
In September 2004, Babu and directorGunasekhar attended a rally organised by his fans atWarangal for the promotional activities ofArjun. He and his fans allegedly raided two video libraries and assaulted their owners who were circulating unauthorised CDs of the film. Cases underIPC section 448 (criminal trespass), section 427 (mischief) and section 366 (kidnap) were registered on him, who was the principal accused, and five others.[163] Later, a delegation from the Telugu film industry, including his fatherKrishna,Chiranjeevi,Nagarjuna,Allu Aravind andD. Suresh Babu, approached the then chief ministerY. S. Rajasekhara Reddy to intervene in this case. Regarding the issue, Babu said that while cases were booked against him on "the basis of wrong information," not a single case had been booked against the person dealing in bootlegged CDs, which he found the "funniest" thing.[164] ActorPawan Kalyan openly supported Babu throughout the episode.[165] Babu surrendered in the district court in September 2004 and appeared before the court again in April 2006. Babu and the others were exonerated after the final hearing in July 2006.[166] He was summoned by theEnforcement Directorate (ED) on 28 April 2025, for questioning regarding alleged money laundering by Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group.[167]
^Ogirala, Mohan Rao (24 June 2004)."It's raining flops on Tollywood's parade".The Times of India.Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved12 September 2022.The Chiranjeevi-starrer Anji didn't run for long though the film took over Rs 30 crore and five years to complete. Similar was the fate of Teja's Jai, Mani Ratnam's Yuva, Mahesh Babu's Nani and Prabhas starrer Adavi Ramudu.
^"When Tollywood tunes didn't mesmerise box-office".Business Standard. India. 1 January 2005. Archived fromthe original on 12 March 2013. Retrieved18 July 2022.This was followed by a slew of duds that included the Rs 12-crore Nani, the Rs 20-crore Arjun ....
^"'Guntur Kaaram' Review: Spice Hits In The Eyes". 12 January 2024.Overall, "Guntur Kaaram" can be classified as a formulaic commercial family entertainer. While the film avoids gratuitous violence commonly found in today's big star movies, it suffers from outdated sequences and a lack of emotional depth. There is no humor either. The film largely hinges on Mahesh Babu's star power and his performance.
^Kumar, Hemanth (6 September 2014)."Kiraak Movie Review".The Times of India.Archived from the original on 19 December 2015. Retrieved19 September 2015.
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