Full Name: Ghanta Naveen Babu
Stage Name: Nani
Born: February 24, 1984
Place of Birth: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Profession: Actor, Producer, Television Presenter
Debut: Ashta Chamma (2008)
Nani is one of the most prominent and well-respected actors in the Telugu film industry, often referred to as “The Natural Star” because of his ability to effortlessly portray relatable, real, and natural characters. Over the years, he has become a favorite of audiences and critics alike due to his incredible acting skills, versatility, and charming persona.
Early Life & Education
Nani was born in Hyderabad, Telangana, and he hails from a middle-class family. Before entering the world of cinema, Nani completed his studies at St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad. Though he was not initially inclined towards acting, Nani developed a passion for films during his college years.
Initially, he wanted to pursue a career in radio or television, and he even worked as an assistant director for a brief period. However, his love for acting led him to pursue a career in the film industry.
Film Industry Entry
Nani made his debut in the Telugu film industry with the film “Ashta Chamma” (2008), which was directed by Mohankrishna Indraganti. The film was a hit, and Nani’s performance as a charming, light-hearted character earned him recognition. His natural acting style made him an instant favorite, and he quickly earned the moniker “Natural Star” from his fans.
Rise to Fame
While Ashta Chamma was Nani’s debut, it was his role in films like “Bhale Bhale Magadivoy” (2015) and “Eega” (2012) that cemented his place in the hearts of Telugu moviegoers. These films were hugely successful, and Nani’s performances were highly appreciated by both critics and audiences.
Eega (2012) – A Game Changer:
One of the most defining moments of Nani’s career came when he starred in S. S. Rajamouli’s Eega (also known as Makkhi in Hindi). The film, which was a fantasy drama about a man who is reborn as a housefly to take revenge on his killer, became a massive success. Although Nani’s character doesn’t appear in the traditional sense for most of the movie (due to the reincarnation as a fly), his performance in the initial part of the film and his connection with the audience were crucial for the film’s success.
The film’s creative storyline and Nani’s performance earned him national recognition, and Eega is considered one of the most innovative and successful films in Indian cinema.
Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015):
In this romantic comedy, Nani played a forgetful young man who falls in love but is constantly bogged down by his inability to remember crucial details. The film was a major success at the box office and was praised for its humor, light-heartedness, and Nani’s portrayal of the character. His effortless charm and comedic timing were key factors in the film’s success.
Breakthrough Films
Over the years, Nani has delivered numerous critically acclaimed performances, earning a reputation for choosing diverse roles that challenge him as an actor.
Ninnu Kori (2017):
Ninnu Kori is another romantic drama in which Nani played a man caught between his responsibilities and his love for a woman. The film was a huge success, and Nani’s performance, especially his portrayal of a man dealing with complex emotions, was highly appreciated. This film solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of handling emotional and dramatic roles.
Jersey (2019):
One of Nani’s most critically acclaimed performances came in the sports drama Jersey. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Nani played the role of Arjun, a 36-year-old cricketer who, despite being past his prime, fights to make a comeback in his career. The film was a huge hit both commercially and critically, and Nani’s portrayal of a determined yet emotionally fragile athlete earned him several accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
Acting Style & Popularity
Nani is known for his natural acting style. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he doesn’t rely on excessive dramatization or larger-than-life portrayals. His charm lies in his ability to play simple, relatable characters with authenticity, which makes his performances feel real and grounded.
Fans appreciate his down-to-earth personality both on and off-screen. He is often described as someone who embodies the “boy-next-door” image and brings a sense of warmth to every role he takes on. This relatability has helped Nani gain a massive fan following, especially among young audiences.
Other Ventures
Aside from acting, Nani has ventured into film production and television hosting.
Production:
In 2017, Nani ventured into film production with his banner “Wall Poster Cinema”. One of the films produced under this banner, Awe!, was well-received for its innovative storytelling and received critical acclaim.
Television Hosting:
Nani is also known for hosting reality shows, and one of his most popular stints was as the host of the Telugu version of the popular show Bigg Boss in 2017. His wit, charm, and ability to connect with the audience made him a standout host.
Personal Life
Nani is married to Anjana Yelavarthi, and they have a son named Arjun. Nani maintains a relatively low-key personal life, choosing to keep it away from the limelight as much as possible. His humility and grounded nature have further endeared him to his fans.
Nani’s rise in Telugu cinema is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural acting ability. From a debutant in Ashta Chamma to being one of the most prominent stars in the industry today, Nani has shown that with the right mix of talent and humility, you can achieve lasting success in an industry as competitive as the film world.
His journey from a small-town boy with big dreams to becoming the “Natural Star” of Telugu cinema is truly inspirational, and his continued success will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry for years to come.