Nani’s Surprising Journey: From Assistant Director to Telugu Cinema's Natural Star!

Nani, a celebrated name in Telugu cinema, has carved a niche for himself with his versatile acting and consistent performances. Known affectionately as the ‘Natural Star,’ he has garnered a massive fan base due to his relatable and effortless acting style. Nani, born as Ghanta Naveen Babu on February 24, 1984, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, has emerged as one of the most bankable stars in Telugu cinema. He began his film career with ‘Ashta Chamma’ in 2008, a commercial success that offered a glimpse of his acting prowess. Over the years, Nani has displayed his talent across various genres, from romantic comedies to intense dramas, earning both critical and commercial acclaim. By 2023, he hit a remarkable stride with consecutive box-office hits, ‘Dasara’ and ‘Hi Nanna,’ solidifying his position in the industry.

Nani is often described by his peers as humble, down-to-earth, and incredibly dedicated to his craft. Fellow actors like Priyadarshi and Janhvi Kapoor have praised his sincerity and collaborative spirit on set. ‘Nani is one of the most genuine people I have worked with. His passion for cinema is infectious, and he brings out the best in everyone around him,’ noted Priyadarshi in an interview.

Famous Quotes

‘Cinema is not just a profession for me; it’s a way of life.’
‘Success and failure are part of the journey, but what matters is the love and support from fans.’
‘Every character I play teaches me something new about myself.’

Full Name

Ghanta Naveen Babu

Birthday

February 24, 1984

Birthplace

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Zodiac

Pisces

Education

School: St. Alphonsa’s High School, Hyderabad
College: Narayana Junior College, Hyderabad & Wesley Degree College, Secunderabad

Net Worth

Approximately $8 million

Occupation

Actor, Producer

Age

Family

Spouse: Anjana Yelavarthy (Married in 2012)
Previous Lovers: Not publicly known
Siblings: Ghanta Deepthi (Sister)

Children

1 Son – Arjun (born in 2017)

Parents

Father: Ghanta Rambabu
Mother: Ghanta Vijaya Lakshmi

Social Media Accounts

Instagram: @nameisnani
Twitter: @NameisNani

Address

Currently residing in Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Famous For

Natural acting style, versatility across genres, and blockbuster hits like ‘Dasara’ and ‘Hi Nanna.’

Notable Work

Movies: ‘Ashta Chamma,’ ‘Eega,’ ‘Bhale Bhale Magadivoy,’ ‘MCA,’ ‘Jersey,’ ‘Dasara,’ ‘Hi Nanna’

Best Friends

According to media reports, Nani shares a close bond with actors like Priyadarshi and Rana Daggubati.

Rivalry

No significant rivalries have been reported. Nani is known for maintaining a cordial relationship with his peers.

Awards and Recognitions

Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for ‘Jersey’ (2019)
SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Critics) – Telugu for ‘Bhale Bhale Magadivoy’ (2015)
Nandi Award for Best Actor for ‘Yevade Subramanyam’ (2015)

Iconic Roles

Arjun in ‘Jersey’ – A failed cricketer who fights against all odds to fulfill his dream.
Lucky in ‘Bhale Bhale Magadivoy’ – A memory-loss patient navigating through comedic situations.
Dharani in ‘Dasara’ – A rugged, intense character in a rural backdrop.

Upcoming Projects

Saripodhaa Sanivaaram – Awaiting release
Nani 33 starring alongside Janhvi Kapoor – In pre-production
Kalki 2898 AD Sequel – Announced

Fan Comments

‘Nani’s performance in ‘Hi Nanna’ was heart-touching!’
‘Can’t wait for ‘Saripodhaa Sanivaaram,’ Nani never disappoints!’
‘Nani and Janhvi Kapoor pairing up is going to be epic!’

Fan Clubs

Natural Star Nani Fans Association
Nani Admirers

Fun Facts

Nani initially worked as an assistant director before making his acting debut.
He is an avid cricket fan and often plays in celebrity cricket leagues.
Nani is known for his impeccable comic timing.

Charitable Work

Actively supports the Blue Cross of Hyderabad
Works with Teach for Change to improve education standards for underprivileged children
Participates in various disaster relief campaigns

Fashion Statements

Nani is often seen in casual yet stylish attire. He prefers comfort over high fashion and is known for his love for simple, classic looks.

Fitness Regime

Nani follows a balanced fitness regime that includes:

Workouts: Regular gym sessions with a mix of cardio and weights
Diet: A balanced diet with an emphasis on proteins and greens
Yoga: Practices yoga for mental and physical well-being

Detailed Timeline

2008: Debut with ‘Ashta Chamma’
2012: Marriage to Anjana Yelavarthy
2015: Major breakthrough with ‘Bhale Bhale Magadivoy’
2019: Acclaimed performance in ‘Jersey’
2023: Blockbuster hits ‘Dasara’ and ‘Hi Nanna’
2023: Announced collaboration with Janhvi Kapoor for ‘Nani 33’

Nani continues to be a beloved figure in Telugu cinema, known for his genuine performances and dedication to his craft. His journey from a budding actor to a superstar is an inspiration to many.

In recent Hollywood gossip, Nani’s foray into pan-Indian cinema is being closely watched. With rumors of potential Bollywood film offers and a steady rise in popularity, he is firmly positioning himself as a versatile actor. His approach to choosing scripts—focusing on strong storylines and character depth—sets him apart from many in the current celebrity news cycle.

Moreover, Nani’s personal life often makes headlines, although he keeps it relatively private. From his charming family moments with wife Anjana and son Arjun to his involvement in social causes, Nani maintains a balanced lifestyle that resonates well with his fanbase. As a figure whose influence crosses the traditional boundaries of South Indian cinema, his every move is a subject of public interest and debate.

It’s also worth noting the movie reviews and box office collections of his latest films. ‘Dasara’ and ‘Hi Nanna’ not only received critical acclaim but also set impressive box office records. Such achievements make him a frequent subject in Hollywood news insider articles and various celeb apps highlight his rising star power.

As Nani looks towards his next ventures, there’s palpable anticipation around projects like ‘Saripodhaa Sanivaaram’ and his collaboration with Janhvi Kapoor. The buzz surrounding ‘Kalki 2898 AD Sequel’ also suggests that audiences can expect another thrilling performance. For a star whose journey began with modest roles, Nani’s current standing is a testament to his talent and hard work. With his story, his films, and his continuous evolution, Nani remains a name to watch out for in the world of cinema.