Hyderabad: As Telugu cinema’s “Natural Star” Nani celebrates his 42nd birthday on February 24, 2026, the industry is reflecting on a career that successfully bridged the gap between relatability and superstardom. According to reports, the actor originally named Ghanta Naveen Babu has undergone a profound creative shift, moving from the undisputed king of romantic comedies to a versatile force in gritty action and high-stakes thrillers.
Starting as an assistant director and a popular radio jockey known as “Non-Stop Nani,” his cinematic journey began with Ashta Chamma in 2008. Over the next decade, Nani became the reliable face of intimate, warm storytelling in an industry often dominated by mythological spectacles and “mass” action. Films like Ala Modalaindi, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, and Jersey established him as an actor who thrived in vulnerability.His recent trajectory defined by the coal-mine intensity of Dasara and his role as an IPS officer in HIT: The Third Case (2025) signals a definitive move away from the lighthearted roles that first endeared him to Tollywood.
Beyond his acting prowess, Nani’s significant entrepreneurial success. His production banner, Wall Poster Cinema, has become a hub for experimental cinema, producing National Award-winning films like Awe! and the successful HIT franchise.
Today, Nani enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in Hyderabad with an estimated net worth of ₹120 crore, yet he remains grounded in his “Natural Star” persona. As the veteran stars of Telugu cinema pivot toward pan-India action epics, Nani’s departure from the rom-com space leaves a noticeable void in the market for mid-budget, character-driven love stories.
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