How a former radio host became a powerhouse of Telugu cinema
In short: Before becoming one of India's highest-paid actors, Nani was a radio jockey and a 'clap director.' From a debut in romantic comedies to breaking box office records, his journey from a student obsessed with movies to a leading man is a masterclass in persistence.
Born in 1984 to a Telugu Hindu family, Ghanta Naveen Babu—known professionally as Nani—did not take a direct path to stardom. After studying in Hyderabad, he initially sought a career behind the camera, working as a 'clap director' on productions like Radha Gopalam in 2005. A brief stint as a radio jockey, hosting 'Non-Stop Nani,' provided a temporary detour before a chance discovery by director Mohan Krishna Indraganti led to his 2008 debut in Ashta Chamma.
Nani's career is marked by significant commercial fluctuations. While early films like Snehituda... were box-office flops, he achieved a major breakthrough with the 2011 blockbuster Ala Modalaindi. His versatility was further proven in 2012 with Eega, a high-grossing project by S. S. Rajamouli, and Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu, which earned him his first Nandi Award for Best Actor. He has since become a dominant force, with films like Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015) becoming massive hits, including being the fourth-highest grossing Telugu film at the US box office.
Beyond acting, Nani has expanded into production, launching his own house, Wall Poster Cinema, in 2018. His filmography is characterized by a wide range of roles, from the dual characters in Gentleman (2016) to the complex protagonist in Shyam Singha Roy (2021). This evolution from a supporting player to a leading man and producer has solidified his status as one of the most popular and decorated actors in the industry, holding multiple Filmfare and Nandi Awards.
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