Nani was born on February 24, 1984, in Hyderabad, Telangana, as Ghanta Naveen Babu. He grew up in a middle-class family with simple goals. He finished school and then went on to get a degree in commerce before moving on to the glamorous world of movies. He was interested in stories and movies from a young age, like many other young people in the city where the Telugu film industry is located. But he didn’t get into movies by acting; he got in by working behind the scenes.
Nani started out as an assistant director for the filmmaker Bapu. Later, he learned more about directing and the filmmaking process. This early experience with making movies helped him see cinema not just as a performer but also as a storyteller. His rise from assistant director to leading actor shows how determined and passionate he is.
Profile Summary
Here’s a concise profile summary of Nani (Ghanta Naveen Babu) in table format:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ghanta Naveen Babu |
| Stage Name | Nani |
| Nickname | Natural Star of Tollywood |
| Date of Birth | 24 February 1984 (Age 42 in 2026) |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Education | Wesley Degree College |
| Occupations | Actor, Film Producer, Television Presenter |
| Years Active | 2008 – present |
| Debut Film (Telugu) | Ashta Chamma (2008) |
| Debut Film (Tamil) | Veppam (2011) |
| Production Debut | D for Dopidi (2013, co-producer) |
| Notable Films | Ala Modalaindi (2011), Eega (2012), Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015), Hi Nanna (2023) |
| Awards | 2 Nandi Awards, 3 Filmfare Awards South, 4 SIIMA Awards, Vijay Award (Best Debut Actor – Tamil) |
| Spouse | Anjana Yelavarthy (m. 2012) |
| Children | 1 |
| Height | 178 cm (5’8”) |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Known For | Versatile acting in Telugu cinema, romantic comedies, and thrillers |
Ashta Chamma’s big break
Ashta Chamma, a romantic comedy, was Nani’s first movie role in 2008. Mohan Krishna Indraganti directed the movie, which was based on Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Nani’s charming presence on screen and natural acting style quickly drew the audience in. People called him “Natural Star” because of how natural and relatable his acting style was.
The movie did well at the box office and with critics, which opened the door to a promising acting career. Nani’s first role as the boy-next-door hero set him apart from other actors who start out in big-budget action movies.
Making a Name for Himself in Tollywood
After his first movie, Nani starred in a number of others that showed how versatile he was. Ala Modalaindi and Eega were two more movies that made him even more famous as a great actor.
Nani played a lovable young man in the romantic comedy Ala Modalaindi who was trying to deal with relationship and career problems. The movie did well at the box office and with critics. Eega, on the other hand, was a fantasy thriller directed by S. S. Rajamouli in which Nani played a man who had been reincarnated as a housefly and was looking for revenge. Even though he didn’t have much screen time because of the story, his performance had a lasting effect. The movie got a lot of attention around the world and is still one of the most original projects in Telugu cinema.
A career full of hits and experiments
One of Nani’s strengths is that he is open to trying out different roles. He has never been typecast, playing everything from romantic leads to very serious dramatic roles. He showed off his perfect comic timing in movies like Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, where he played a man with memory problems. The movie was a huge hit, which showed that he was still popular with the public.
He followed this success with movies like Gentleman, Ninnu Kori, and MCA (Middle Class Abbayi), all of which showed that he could tell a good story while still making money. He is one of the most reliable stars in the Telugu film industry because he knows how to pick scripts that appeal to families.
Jersey Gets Good Reviews
In 2019, Nani gave one of the best performances of his career in Jersey. The sports drama was about a cricketer who failed and then came back to the game in his 30s to make his son happy. Nani’s performance as Arjun, a father who is struggling with self-doubt and pressure from society, got a lot of praise from critics.
His powerful performance won him many awards and made him known as one of the best actors of his generation. Later, Jersey was remade in Hindi, which shows how important the original movie was.
Moving into Film Production
Nani has done more than just act; he has also produced. Wall Poster Cinema, his production company, has helped new writers and actors tell their stories. Movies like Awe showed how much he cared about experimental cinema. Nani has helped Telugu films push the limits of creativity by supporting stories that aren’t typical.
His job as a producer shows that he knows a lot about movies as both an art form and a business. He has put money into movies that are driven by content instead of just focusing on star-driven projects. These movies give audiences something new to see.
Nani Net Worth 2026
As of 2026, Nani (Ghanta Naveen Babu) has an estimated net worth of around ₹50–60 crore (USD $6–7 million). His wealth comes primarily from:
- Film Acting: He is among the highest-paid actors in Tollywood, charging significant remuneration per film.
- Production Ventures: Through his production house, he has invested in films like D for Dopidi and Awe.
- Brand Endorsements: Nani endorses several regional and national brands, adding to his income.
- Television Hosting: He gained popularity as the host of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2, which also contributed to his earnings.
Dasara: A New Beginning for Him
In Dasara, which came out in 2023, Nani shocked fans with his tough new look. He played a rough and intense character in rural Telangana, which was different from the boy-next-door roles he usually plays. The movie showed off his range of physical and emotional abilities, and his performance was praised for being so strong.
Dasara was a big hit at the box office and a turning point for Nani, showing that he could also do well in big roles with a lot of action. This change showed that he could change and was willing to take risks even after years of success.
How they act and how they are in public
People often say that Nani’s acting is natural and easy to relate to. He plays characters that show the struggles and feelings of everyday people, not larger-than-life action heroes. This realness has helped him connect with people of all ages.
People who know Nani off-screen say he is humble and honest. Even though he’s famous, he stays down to earth and interacts with fans. His open interviews and presence on social media make him even more well-known as a celebrity who is easy to talk to.
Awards and Praise
Nani has won and been nominated for many awards over the years for his acting. His work in Telugu cinema has been recognized with many awards, including the Filmfare Awards South and the SIIMA Awards. He is one of the best actors in modern Tollywood because he has a long history of box office success and good reviews.
More importantly, he has earned the respect of his peers and filmmakers who value his hard work and willingness to work with others.
Life and Legacy of the Person
In 2012, Nani married Anjana Yelavarthy, and they have a son together. He stresses how important family life is, even though he has a lot going on at work. His ability to balance work and personal life makes him look even better in the eyes of the public.
Nani is one of the most reliable ambassadors for Telugu cinema as it continues to grow around the world. He sets new standards and pushes the limits of creativity with each project. His journey from being a young assistant director to one of the most popular stars in the business shows that he is hardworking, talented, and passionate.
Nani’s strength is that he can make characters feel real in a time when huge shows are all over screens. He is still committed to telling stories that touch people’s hearts, whether they are in romantic comedies, intense dramas, or experimental films. As he grows and changes, fans can’t wait to see what happens next in the inspiring career of the “Natural Star” of Telugu cinema.
FAQs
1. What is Nani’s real name?
His real name is Ghanta Naveen Babu.
2. Why is Nani called the “Natural Star”?
He earned the nickname because of his effortless and realistic acting style.
3. Which film gave Nani major recognition?
Eega and Jersey are among the films that brought him widespread acclaim.
4. Is Nani also a film producer?
Yes, he produces films under his banner Wall Poster Cinema.
5. What was unique about his role in Dasara?
In Dasara, Nani played a rugged rural character, showcasing a new and intense side of his acting abilities.
