Mahesh Babu is one of the biggest superstars of Telugu cinema, known for his screen presence, style and a long run of blockbusters such as Okkadu, Pokiri, Dookudu and Srimanthudu. Fans call him ‘Prince’ and ‘Superstar’, and he is regularly ranked among India’s most popular actors.
The son of legendary actor Krishna, Mahesh started as a child artist and made his lead debut in 1999. He also runs a production house and the AMB Cinemas multiplex chain, and is now working on S. S. Rajamouli’s global adventure film Varanasi, scheduled for April 2027.
Mahesh Babu Quick Facts
| Full Name | Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu |
| Popular Names | Prince, Superstar |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Date of Birth | 9 August 1975 |
| Age | 51 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Years Active | 1979–1990 (child artist); 1999–present |
| Lead Debut | Rajakumarudu (1999) |
| Breakthrough | Murari (2001) and Okkadu (2003) |
| Known For | Okkadu, Athadu, Pokiri, Dookudu, Srimanthudu, Bharat Ane Nenu |
| Parents | Father: Krishna (actor); Mother: Indira Devi |
| Spouse | Namrata Shirodkar (m. 2005) |
| Children | Son Gautam, daughter Sitara |
| Education | B.Com, Loyola College, Chennai |
Mahesh Babu Career in Numbers
Here is a quick look at Mahesh Babu’s career in numbers.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Films as Lead | 28 (Rajakumarudu to Guntur Kaaram) |
| Career Span | 1999–present as lead |
| Nandi Awards | 9 |
| Filmfare Best Actor – Telugu | 5 |
| SIIMA Awards | 4 |
| Next Film | Varanasi (7 April 2027) |
Early Life and Family
Mahesh Babu was born on 9 August 1975 in Madras (now Chennai) to superstar Krishna and Indira Devi. He grew up in Chennai, where he studied at St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School and later completed a B.Com at Loyola College.
He first appeared on screen at the age of four in Needa (1979) and acted in several films as a child artist alongside his father, before taking a break to complete his education.
Mahesh Babu Career Journey
Child Artist to Lead Debut (1979–1999)
After a run of child roles, Mahesh made his debut as a lead actor in Rajakumarudu (1999), which won him the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut.
Rise to Superstardom (2001–2006)
Murari (2001) and the sports-action film Okkadu (2003) made him a star. Trivikram’s Athadu (2005) became a cult classic, and Puri Jagannadh’s Pokiri (2006) became one of the biggest hits in Telugu cinema at the time, firmly establishing him as a superstar.
Blockbuster Era (2011–2020)
Dookudu (2011) and Businessman (2012) were huge successes, followed by the family drama Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu. Srimanthudu (2015), Bharat Ane Nenu (2018), Maharshi (2019) and Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020) combined mass appeal with social messages and were all major hits.
Recent Films and Varanasi
He starred in Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022) and Trivikram’s Guntur Kaaram (2024). His next film, Varanasi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli and co-starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is a large-scale globetrotting adventure set for release on 7 April 2027.
Mahesh Babu Movies: Complete Filmography
Below are the major films of Mahesh Babu’s career as a lead actor.
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Rajakumarudu | Raj | Lead debut; Nandi Award for Best Male Debut |
| 2001 | Murari | Murari | Breakthrough family drama |
| 2003 | Okkadu | Ajay | Sports-action blockbuster |
| 2004 | Arjun | Arjun | — |
| 2005 | Athadu | Nandu | Directed by Trivikram; cult classic |
| 2006 | Pokiri | Krishna Manohar / Pandu | Industry hit |
| 2010 | Khaleja | Seetharama Raju | — |
| 2011 | Dookudu | Ajay Kumar | Blockbuster |
| 2012 | Businessman | Surya | — |
| 2013 | Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu | Chinnodu | With Venkatesh |
| 2014 | 1: Nenokkadine | Gautham | Psychological thriller |
| 2015 | Srimanthudu | Harsha | Blockbuster |
| 2018 | Bharat Ane Nenu | Bharat Ram | Played a Chief Minister |
| 2019 | Maharshi | Rishi Kumar | 25th film |
| 2020 | Sarileru Neekevvaru | Major Ajay Krishna | Sankranti hit |
| 2022 | Sarkaru Vaari Paata | Mahesh | — |
| 2024 | Guntur Kaaram | Ramana | Directed by Trivikram |
| 2027 | Varanasi | TBA | Directed by S. S. Rajamouli; releasing 7 April 2027 |
Business and Philanthropy
Mahesh runs the production house G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment and co-owns AMB Cinemas, a premium multiplex brand in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. He is also one of India’s most in-demand brand ambassadors.
Through the Mahesh Babu Foundation he funds heart surgeries for children and has adopted villages in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for development work.
Mahesh Babu Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Nandi Award for Best Male Debut | For Rajakumarudu |
| Career | 9 Nandi Awards | Including multiple Best Actor wins |
| Career | 5 Filmfare Awards for Best Actor – Telugu | For films including Okkadu, Pokiri, Dookudu and Srimanthudu |
| Career | 4 SIIMA Awards | Including Best Actor honours |
Mahesh Babu Personal Life
Mahesh married actress and former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar on 10 February 2005. They met on the sets of Vamsi (2000). The couple have a son, Gautam, and a daughter, Sitara.
His father Krishna, brother Ramesh Babu and sister Manjula are also from films. He is known for being private and spending his breaks on family holidays abroad.
Mahesh Babu Net Worth
Mahesh earns from acting fees and profit-sharing, his production house, AMB Cinemas and a long list of brand endorsements.
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately ₹350 crore.
Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly reported information, including entertainment industry reports and media estimates. These are not audited financial statements and may not account for liabilities, family holdings or changes in asset values.
Lesser-Known Facts About Mahesh Babu
- His first screen appearance was at the age of four in Needa (1979).
- He holds the record for the most Nandi Awards won by an actor in their individual categories, with nine.
- His wife Namrata Shirodkar was Femina Miss India 1993.
- His Mahesh Babu Foundation has funded heart surgeries for over a thousand children.
- Varanasi marks his first film with director S. S. Rajamouli.
Legacy and Impact
Mahesh Babu has carried forward his father’s legacy while building his own image as a polished, modern superstar. His films have repeatedly set box-office records, and with Varanasi he is poised to reach a global audience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mahesh Babu
How old is Mahesh Babu?
Mahesh Babu was born on 9 August 1975, making him 51 years old as of 2026.
Who is Mahesh Babu’s wife?
He is married to actress Namrata Shirodkar. They have two children, Gautam and Sitara.
What is Mahesh Babu’s next movie?
His next film is Varanasi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, scheduled for release on 7 April 2027.
How many Nandi Awards has Mahesh Babu won?
He has won nine Nandi Awards.
What is Mahesh Babu’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at approximately ₹350 crore, based on publicly reported information.
Final Summary
From a child artist in 1979 to one of India’s biggest stars, Mahesh Babu has built a remarkable career filled with blockbusters and awards. With Varanasi on the horizon, his biggest stage may still be ahead.