Nani is an Indian actor, film producer, and television presenter who predominantly works in Telugu cinema. Known for his natural acting style and versatility, he has appeared in romantic dramas, family entertainers, thrillers, action films, and socially themed movies. He is popularly known as the “Natural Star.”
Nani made his acting debut with Ashta Chamma (2008) and gained wider recognition with films such as Ala Modalaindi (2011), Pilla Zamindar (2011), Eega (2012), Yevade Subramanyam (2015), Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015), Nenu Local (2017), Jersey (2019), Shyam Singha Roy (2021), Dasara (2023), Hi Nanna (2023), and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (2024).
Among his notable performances, Eega, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, and Jersey became important milestones in his career. His film Jersey was particularly recognized for his performance as a former cricketer who attempts to return to the sport.
Nani is also associated with The Paradise, an upcoming Telugu action drama directed by Srikanth Odela. The film marks their second collaboration after Dasara and features Nani in a different action-oriented role.Nani was born Ghanta Naveen Babu on 24 February 1984 in Hyderabad, Telangana. He was raised in Hyderabad and completed his schooling there before graduating from Wesley Degree College, Secunderabad.
Before becoming an actor, Nani worked behind the scenes in the film industry. He began his career as an assistant director and clap assistant, working with filmmakers including Srinu Vaitla and Bapu. He later became a radio jockey in Hyderabad and hosted a programme known as “Non-Stop Nani.”
His transition to acting began when director Mohan Krishna Indraganti noticed him in an advertisement and offered him the lead role in Ashta Chamma. Released in 2008, the film marked Nani's entry as a lead actor in Telugu cinema.
Nani followed his debut with films including Ride, Snehituda, and Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu. His breakthrough came with Ala Modalaindi (2011), followed by Pilla Zamindar and S. S. Rajamouli's Eega (2012), which expanded his recognition beyond conventional romantic roles.
He subsequently built a diverse filmography with movies such as _Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu, Paisa, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha, Gentleman, Nenu Local, MCA, Devadas, Jersey, Tuck Jagadish, Shyam Singha Roy, Ante Sundaraniki, Dasara, Hi Nanna, and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. His work has earned him several accolades, including Nandi Awards, Filmfare Awards South, and SIIMA Awards.
Alongside acting, Nani has worked as a film producer. He co-founded Wall Poster Cinema, whose productions include Awe! (2018), which received National Film Awards for Best Special Effects and Best Make-Up Artist. He also hosted Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2 in 2018.
Nani continues to work in Indian cinema. His upcoming project The Paradise, directed by Srikanth Odela, is an action drama in which he appears in a distinctive new look and character. Recent reports also describe extensive action sequences and a physically demanding production. Birth Date: 24 February 1984 Birth Place: Hyderabad, Telangana, India Profession: Actor, Film Producer, Television Presenter Birth Name: Ghanta Naveen Babu Other Name: Natural Star Nani Languages: Telugu, Tamil Years Active: 2008–Present