The strong influence of Mani Ratnam’s craft piqued a burning passion to work for movies in a young Hyderabad graduate named Naveen Babu Ghanta who is now popular in Tollywood with his nickname Nani. After working as an assistant director to films like Radha Gopalam, Dhee and Astram, Nani set sights on becoming an actor.
When he was offered Astha Chamma 9 years ago, Nani has no idea that he would scale new heights in Tollywood. Astha Chamma was received well and Nani’s lovely act and impressive screen presence bagged him brownie points. Two years later, he came to closer to Telugu audience with his Natural act in Bheemili Kabbadi Jattu and Ala Modalaindi. Both films emerged as successful ventures at the box office, making Nani a sought after actor in Tollywood.
The biggest blockbuster in his career arrived in the form of SS Rajamouli’s Eega, a film which catapulted Nani’s stardom. Despite having a brief role, Nani made a mark with his fine performance. After Eega, Nani went through a lean phase with a string of mediocre films like Paisa, Aaha Kalyanam, Janda Pai Kapiraju and Yevade Subramanyam.
He reinstated himself with a refreshing role in the 2015 released Bhale Bhale Magadivoi. Nani’s pleasing performance as a short term memory botanist received huge appreciation from all avenues and the stupendous success gave a big boost to Nani’s career. Since then , there is no looking back for the Natural star.
Nani bagged successive hits in the last couple of years as films like KVPG , Gentleman, Majnu and Nenu Local generated good revenues at the box office. Nani is a bankable asset for producers and he is a safe bet for buyers in overseas circuit. His box office stamina in overseas is on par with the current generation star heroes.
His comic timing, dialogue delivery and dramatic expressions are so natural and earned him the ‘Natural Star’ tag.
Telugu360 wishes Nani a Happy birthday. All the best for your upcoming projects.
