The Superstar Who Doesn’t Need Bollywood
At 50, Mahesh Babu remains the Telugu cinema’s golden boy — charming, grounded, and fiercely loyal to his home turf
While Bollywood continues to woo him, superstar Mahesh Babu refuses to cross over, choosing instead to strengthen his bond with the audience that has loved him for decades. His secret? A mix of discipline, positivity, and a philosophy that fame comes with responsibility.
The Bollywood Question
When asked if he misses being a pan-India star, Mahesh doesn’t hesitate. “It isn’t as if I haven’t had offers. There have been lots of offers. But none exciting enough to head to Bollywood,” he said in an earlier interview. His brand of cinema — clean, family-oriented, and deeply rooted in Telugu sensibilities — needs no Hindi validation.
The Forever-Young Star
Unlike some contemporaries who hide behind wigs and cosmetic tweaks, Mahesh at 50 looks barely 30. “I don’t do anything extraordinary to look the way I do. It is God-given,” he says with a smile. His regimen? Eat right, sleep well, exercise in moderation — and never overdo anything. “Staying off food or over-exerting in the gym could land you in the hospital,” he warns.
The Man Behind the Star
In public, Mahesh is the epitome of grace. But in private, he lets go. “When I’m with my family, I’m completely myself. In public one has to be careful — fame comes with a purpose. Setting the right example isn’t just moral duty; it’s an ethical compulsion,” he says.
The Grounded Childhood
Despite being a child actor and the son of a superstar, Mahesh grew up without frills. “My parents ensured I had a normal childhood. I travelled to school by bus, got limited pocket money, and had no pampering,” he recalls. “We were never allowed to feel like star kids.”