Nani

Nani, born Ghanta Naveen Babu on February 24, 1984, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, is a renowned Indian actor, producer, and television presenter, primarily working in the Telugu film industry. Known for his natural acting style, boy-next-door charm, and versatility, Nani has carved a niche for himself as one of Tollywood’s most bankable and beloved stars.

Nani’s early life was marked by a fascination with cinema. Though he pursued a degree in engineering, his heart was always in films. Before entering the film industry as an actor, Nani worked as an assistant director with noted filmmaker Bapu and also collaborated with Srinu Vaitla. He further honed his skills in the entertainment industry by working as a radio jockey (RJ) at World Space Satellite Radio, where his voice and witty talk show “Non-Stop Nani” became quite popular.

His acting debut came with the critically acclaimed romantic drama “Ashta Chamma” in 2008, which was a box-office success and brought him immediate recognition. Nani quickly gained fame for his ability to portray relatable and grounded characters. His early successes include “Ride” (2009), “Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu” (2010), and “Ala Modalaindi” (2011), which established him as a promising young talent.

Nani reached new heights with “Eega” (2012), directed by S.S. Rajamouli, where he played the lead in a unique fantasy film where his character is reincarnated as a housefly. The film was a massive success both commercially and critically, elevating Nani’s status in the industry.

Over the years, Nani delivered multiple hits such as “Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu,” “Bhale Bhale Magadivoy,” “Ninnu Kori,” “MCA (Middle Class Abbayi),” “Jersey,” and “Shyam Singha Roy.” Each of these films showcased his versatility, from romantic leads to emotional depth and intense drama. “Jersey” in particular was praised widely for his stellar performance as a cricketer striving for a comeback.

In addition to acting, Nani also ventured into film production with his banner Wall Poster Cinema, producing films like “Awe!” (2018) and “Hit” series, which were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. His sharp understanding of content-driven cinema made him one of the few actors who excelled as a producer as well.

He also hosted the second season of Bigg Boss Telugu, bringing his natural charm and wit to television audiences.

Nani is often dubbed as the “Natural Star” of Telugu cinema—a title that reflects his effortless acting, down-to-earth demeanor, and connection with the audience. Unlike many actors who rely heavily on glamorous personas, Nani thrives by playing relatable, everyday characters, which has won him a loyal fan base.

Despite a few setbacks and box-office failures, Nani has maintained a consistent presence in Tollywood. With his ever-growing filmography and choice of diverse scripts, he continues to be one of the most respected and dependable actors in the Telugu film industry.