10 May 2022. The trailer launch event of the film ‘Major’ was held. The 47-year-old South superstar was asked about his Bollywood debut. Without taking any time, the answer came from there- “I don’t think people in Bollywood can afford me. I also don’t want to waste my time working in such an industry.” The statement came here and there was an uproar. Bollywood did not like this statement at all.
Since the language controversy was already raging (you must remember the case of Kicha Sudeep and Ajay Devgan), this statement added fuel to the fire. The fight which was till now seen only between the box office and fans, i.e. “South vs Bollywood”, both the industries came face to face on it.
Before the matter escalated, the South superstar gave clarification. He posted on social media, in which he wrote, “I love cinema and respect all languages. I am comfortable wherever I am doing films.” The superstar ended his post with the line- My dream is coming true, I am happy because Telugu cinema is touching new heights. This is none other than the ‘Prince of Tollywood’. Let’s start his story.
Debuted at the age of 4
The disease started at a very young age…
Year 1975. Famous actor producer-director Shiva Ram Krishna Ghattamaneni had a son. He was named Mahesh Babu. At the age when other children live their childhood, this little boy had already started a journey whose foundation was laid by his father. He got his first film at the age of just 4 years, the name was ‘Nida’.
After making his debut, Mahesh Babu never looked back. He did 8 films as a child artist. Along with films, he also studied while staying away from his family. His childhood was spent in Madras and he chose St. Bede Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School for studies. After passing out from school, he went to Loyola College, from where he graduated in commerce.
When Mahesh Babu got the tag of ‘Prince of Tollywood’
His career had already begun. After 20 years, Mahesh Babu got a film as a lead. It must have been around 1999 when ‘Rajakumarudu’ was released. This is the film for which he got his first award of his career. After receiving the ‘Nandi Award’, many films fell into Mahesh Babu’s lap. Records were made one after the other at the very beginning of his career. ‘Pokiri’ was released in 2001 and became the highest grossing Telugu film. Krishna Ghattamaneni’s younger son Mahesh was now being recognized by his own name. He kept getting work continuously. And with every film, he got fame and popularity. But in the year 2019, something happened that gave him the tag of Prince.
When he got the tag of ‘Prince of Tollywood’
This year, a movie named ‘Maharshi’ was released. Mahesh Babu played Rishi Kumar in this action drama movie and rocked the box office. For this, the movie received the National Award in the Best Popular Film category. This is the movie after which fans gave him the tag of “Prince”.
He became the ‘Prince’ of the industry, he used to speak that language by rote learning
Mahesh Babu grew up with his maternal grandmother in Chennai. So he had a good command over only Tamil and English. But he does not even know how to read or write the Telugu film industry of which he has become such a big star today. He could only speak passable Telugu since college days, due to which he faced a lot of problems while doing films. But there is a saying – a person improves after facing problems. Mahesh Babu also proved this to be true. A director of his film had said: He can speak his dialogues well by rote learning.
When I lost my heart to ex-Miss India
The year was 1999. Mahesh Babu’s entire focus was on his career. The shooting of ‘Vamsi’ was going on. He reached the set as usual. During this time, a beautiful woman was standing in front of his eyes. It was none other than Namrata, who had worked in Malayalam and Bollywood films. They did not know when their love changed from reel to real on the set of the film. Mahesh Babu dated Namrata for 5 years. But he was afraid to tell his family. The reason was – Namrata’s age. She was four years older than him.
Fell in love with former Miss India
Somehow Mahesh Babu mustered up the courage to tell his sister about this relationship. From here the news reached his parents. Both got married in the year 2005. Namrata Shirodkar, who won the title of Miss India in 1993, said goodbye to acting after marriage. Her last film was released in 2004. She welcomed son Gautam in 2006, just a year after marriage. On 20 July 2012, a little angel was born to the two. During this time, such a phase came in the life of both, when rumors of breakup started flying. After three years of marriage, there were reports of link-up with other actresses. But wife Namrata kept dismissing every rumor.
When Mahesh Babu stayed away from films for 3 years
It was the year 2007. An action romantic film was released, its name was- Athidhi. The film was directed by Surendra Reddy. Amrita Rao was seen opposite Mahesh Babu. Made in a budget of 20 crores, the film earned only 35 crores at the box office. This was a big blow for Mahesh Babu. This had not happened before and he was unable to handle this failure. In such a situation, he went on a long break of 3 years. Fans kept waiting for Mahesh Babu. A tremendous comeback was expected from him.
The film with which Mahesh Babu made a comeback
3 years had passed. Now comes the year 2010. Mahesh Babu made a comeback with the film Khaleja. This impressive comeback made the fans happy. But it could only earn decent money in the theatres. After repeated questions, Mahesh Babu broke his silence on the 3-year break. The reason for this break was pressure. After ‘Athidhi’, there was a constant demand for films. In such a situation, that year became more difficult for Mahesh Babu when the news of the death of someone close to him came. At the same time, his wife’s parents also said goodbye to the world. How to make people happy? Troubled by this question, Mahesh Babu took a 6-month break, which got extended to 3 years.
Those 12 deals, with which Mahesh Babu built his house
Who can understand better than an actor how difficult it is to make a comeback after a break? After a long break of 3 years, Mahesh Babu’s entry was not as spectacular as expected. Mahesh Babu did not sign any film during the break. But he finalized deals with 12 brands and built his house with the same money. Now imagine how expensive these deals must have been, with which a house could be built. With this, he also became the first actor to do so, who had made deals with 12 big brands in such a short time.
He is going to do the most expensive film of Indian cinema!
Mahesh Babu started his career in his childhood. After this, he gave many blockbuster films, while many films flopped. Currently, SS Rajamouli is going to make the most expensive film of Indian cinema. Mahesh Babu has been signed for the lead role in this film to be made in 1000 crores. This will prove to be the biggest film of his career, preparations for which are underway. The film is in the pre-production stage. He will be seen in different characters in it. Soon the makers will make an official announcement of the film.
