Introduction
Naveen Babu Ghanta, popularly known by his stage name Nani, is one of the most versatile and beloved actors in Telugu cinema. With his impeccable acting skills and natural charm, Nani has earned the title of “Natural Star” among his fans and critics alike. Known for his boy-next-door image and his ability to connect with the audience through relatable characters, Nani has established himself as a powerhouse performer in the Telugu film industry.
Nani began his journey in cinema not as an actor, but as an assistant director, and later transitioned into acting, where he found tremendous success. He has consistently chosen films with strong scripts, often prioritizing content over commercial viability, which has earned him a loyal fan base. Over the years, Nani has proved that he is an actor who can effortlessly balance mass appeal with meaningful cinema.
Early Life and Background
Nani was born on February 24, 1984, in Hyderabad, Telangana. He grew up with a passion for movies and aspired to work in the film industry from a young age. However, his entry into the entertainment world was unconventional. Nani started his career as an assistant director, working under acclaimed filmmakers such as Bapu and Srinu Vaitla. His work behind the camera gave him valuable insights into filmmaking, which later shaped his career as an actor.
Before venturing into acting, Nani also worked as a radio jockey (RJ) for a Hyderabad-based radio station. His wit, sense of humor, and distinct voice made him a popular RJ, but his true calling was always acting.
Career Growth
Nani made his acting debut with the film Ashta Chamma in 2008, directed by Mohan Krishna Indraganti. The film, a light-hearted comedy, was well-received by the audience, and Nani’s performance was appreciated for its natural ease and charm. His debut performance set the tone for his career, where he would consistently deliver relatable and grounded characters.
Over the years, Nani has built a reputation for being selective with his roles, choosing scripts that allow him to experiment with different genres and acting styles. Some of his early successful films include Ride (2009), Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu (2010), and Ala Modalaindi (2011). Ala Modalaindi was a romantic comedy that turned out to be a major hit, firmly establishing Nani as a leading actor in Telugu cinema.
Nani’s career took a significant leap with the release of Eega (2012), directed by the acclaimed filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli. In this fantasy revenge drama, Nani’s character is killed early in the film, but his spirit reincarnates as a housefly to avenge his death. Despite limited screen time, Nani’s performance in the film was lauded, and Eega became a pan-Indian success, further boosting Nani’s popularity.
In the following years, Nani continued to deliver hits such as Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu (2012), Pilla Zamindar (2011), Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015), Ninnu Kori (2017), and Jersey (2019). His ability to portray both comedic and intense emotional roles has made him one of the most versatile actors in the industry.
Personal Life
Nani leads a relatively private life despite his immense popularity. He married Anjana Yelavarthy, his longtime girlfriend, in 2012, and the couple has a son named Arjun, born in 2017. Nani often shares glimpses of his family life on social media, showing his affection for his wife and son.
Although Nani’s family background is not linked to the film industry, he has made a significant impact on his own merit. His down-to-earth persona and humility have made him not just a fan favorite but also respected by his peers in the film fraternity.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Naveen Babu Ghanta |
| Stage Name | Nani |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1984 |
| Age | 40 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 70 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Spouse | Anjana Yelavarthy (m. 2012) |
| Children | 1 (Son – Arjun) |
| Father | Ghanta Rambabu |
| Mother | Vijayalakshmi Ghanta |
| Debut Film | Ashta Chamma (2008) |
| Hobbies | Travelling, Reading |
| Education | Graduate in Arts |
Noteworthy Films
Ashta Chamma (2008) – Nani’s debut film was a feel-good comedy that introduced the actor’s natural acting style. The film was a box office success, establishing him as a talented new face in the industry.
Eega (2012) – A landmark film in Nani’s career, Eega was directed by S. S. Rajamouli and became a massive hit across India. Though Nani had limited screen time, his performance was pivotal to the film’s emotional core.
Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015) – This comedy, directed by Maruthi Dasari, was a major commercial success. Nani’s portrayal of a forgetful scientist brought him widespread acclaim and helped him reach a broader audience.
Ninnu Kori (2017) – A romantic drama where Nani played a heartbroken lover, this film was a hit and showcased his ability to handle deeply emotional roles with maturity.
Jersey (2019) – A sports drama about an ex-cricketer who strives to make a comeback, Jersey was one of Nani’s career-best performances. His portrayal of a struggling, middle-aged father earned him critical acclaim, and the film was both a commercial and critical success.
Shyam Singha Roy (2021) – Nani played a dual role in this period drama, and his performance was widely appreciated for its intensity and depth.
Acting Style and Persona
Nani’s acting style is defined by his natural ability to blend into his characters, making them believable and relatable. He is known for portraying everyday characters with a charm that resonates with the audience. His boy-next-door image and ease in switching between emotional and comic roles have made him a favorite among family audiences and youth alike.
Unlike some of his contemporaries, Nani doesn’t rely heavily on larger-than-life personas or action-packed sequences. Instead, he focuses on delivering subtle, realistic performances that add depth to his characters. This has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.
Film Production
In addition to acting, Nani has ventured into film production. He launched his production banner Wall Poster Cinema in 2018 and produced the critically acclaimed thriller Awe (2018), which was a bold and experimental film. The success of Awe as a producer gave Nani another dimension in the Telugu film industry.
Wiki & Facts
Nickname “Natural Star”: Nani is affectionately called “Natural Star” due to his effortless acting style and ability to bring realism to his performances.
Radio Jockey Days: Before becoming an actor, Nani was a popular RJ in Hyderabad. His wit and humor as a radio host made him a favorite among listeners.
Debut as Assistant Director: Nani initially worked as an assistant director for films like Radha Gopalam and Dhee, which helped him gain a deep understanding of filmmaking.
Multi-Talented: Besides acting and producing, Nani is also known for his voice dubbing skills. He lent his voice for a few projects, showcasing his versatility.
Family Man: Despite his stardom, Nani remains grounded and shares a strong bond with his wife, Anjana, and their son, Arjun.
Conclusion
Nani’s journey in Telugu cinema is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance. From his humble beginnings as an assistant director to becoming one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, Nani has made a lasting impact on the hearts of his audience. His ability to balance commercial success with meaningful, content-driven films makes him stand out in the Telugu film industry. With several exciting projects lined up, Nani continues to be a force to reckon with in Tollywood.
