Mahesh Babu, a titan of South Indian cinema, celebrates his birthday today, marking another year in a career defined by massive spectacles, heroic screen presence, and high-octane action. Born on August 9, 1975, in Chennai, Mahesh hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the Telugu film industry. His father, Ghattamaneni Krishna, was a legendary actor who appeared in over 350 films, while his brother, Ramesh Babu, also established himself as an actor and producer. His childhood connections within the industry were significant, as he grew up alongside fellow stars like Vijay and Karthik Sivakumar.
His journey in front of the camera began at the age of four in the 1979 film ‘Needa,’ produced by his father. He continued to work as a child artist in eight additional films, demonstrating an early and remarkable talent for memorizing dialogues. Over the past two decades, Mahesh Babu has cemented his status as a top-tier performer, appearing in more than 60 films. His filmography includes notable hits such as ‘Murari,’ ‘Athadu,’ ‘Pokiri,’ ‘Dookudu,’ ‘Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu,’ ‘Brahmotsavam,’ ‘Varasudu,’ ‘Maharshi,’ and ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru.’ Notably, while his 2006 film ‘Pokiri’ was remade in Hindi as ‘Wanted’ starring Salman Khan, Mahesh Babu has maintained a unique record of never starring in a remake himself.
Known affectionately by fans as the ‘Prince’ of Telugu cinema, Mahesh is celebrated for his understated acting style and consistent screen presence. His influence extends beyond the screen; in 2011, he ranked higher than Bollywood stars like Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan on the Times of India’s ’50 Most Desirable Men’ list. In 2019, he became the first Telugu actor to have a wax figure displayed at Madame Tussauds. Despite his immense popularity, Mahesh faces a unique challenge: he cannot read or write Telugu. Having attended English-medium schools in Chennai, he relies on hearing his dialogues to memorize them, a skill that has allowed him to deliver flawless performances throughout his career.
Beyond his acting prowess, Mahesh Babu is a dedicated philanthropist. He has contributed significantly to child healthcare, cancer treatment, rural education, and women’s rights. Alongside his wife, Namrata Shirodkar, he established the ‘Heal a Child Foundation.’ His charitable efforts include substantial donations to two schools in Telangana and two hospitals in Andhra Pradesh. His business ventures are equally diverse; in 2014, he founded G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, and in 2018, he partnered with Asian Cinemas to launch AMB Cinemas, a premium multiplex in Hyderabad, with plans for further expansion under the ‘AMB Classic’ brand.
Like many high-profile figures, Mahesh has faced public scrutiny. Recently, his name was linked to a real estate company in Telangana that faced allegations of fraud. Although Mahesh served as a brand ambassador for the firm, there has been no evidence of his direct involvement in the alleged wrongdoing. He was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning, and he has reportedly cooperated fully with the legal process.
Currently, Mahesh Babu is generating significant buzz for his upcoming project, ‘Varanasi,’ directed by S.S. Rajamouli. The film, which also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is being touted as one of India’s most expensive productions. Mahesh portrays the character ‘Rudra’ in a narrative that spans diverse locations, including Antarctica, Africa, and ancient Rome. The film is being shot extensively in IMAX format to capture its epic scale.
Recent promotional stills for ‘Varanasi’ describe Rudra as an intelligent, sensitive, and fierce character. The plot centers on a global threat involving an asteroid, with Priyanka Chopra playing the role of Mandakini and Prithviraj portraying a tech-savvy antagonist named Kumbh. The film is envisioned as an epic adventure that blends mythological undertones with grand visual storytelling.
Production for ‘Varanasi’ is ongoing. As of July, director Rajamouli indicated that while the major action sequences were complete, approximately 80 days of filming remained. The production team is targeting a theatrical release date of April 7, 2027.
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