Charisma meets acting talent- that is Mahesh!

Mahesh like Nandamuri Balakrishna started acting in his teens and contrast to Balakrishna, Mahesh earned fame as an young actor. Balakrishna too got good name but until Mangamma gari Manavadu, he was recognised as NTR's son who has talent to become a star but the movie established him as a star, in Telugu Cinema, in 80's.

But in the case of Mahesh Babu, he got a chance to carry film on his shoulders at teens and he did not show any fear in doing so. He acted in dual role and he even did his stunts. Today, his dancing body language is different to what he pulled off in young age. He did perform disco, break and shake as an youngster.

From 1987 - Sankharavam to 1989 - Balachandrudu his father - Superstar Krishna, Kodi Ramakrishna, Kondarami Reddy directed him in 7 films and before that he acted in Poratam in 1983 and appeared on screen in Needa, 1979.

Some of these films made Krishna fans to support him as true successor of Krishna even though Ramesh Babu was acting as hero, Krishna's elder son. By early 90's, Ramesh Babu went through many flops and he decided to concentrate on other businesses. Krishna too had several flops and he came back strong with No.1, Amma Donga, Varasudu in 90's.

With his age catching up, Krishna decided to introduce Mahesh as lead actor after a decade gap, giving Mahesh ample time to finish his studies. In 1999, even though Mahesh wanted Ram Gopal Varma to direct him in his first film, he accepted his father's box office sense and did Rajakumarudu in the direction of K. Raghavendra Rao. The senior director chose perfect script for his introduction and Krishna's episode in the film got thunderous response too.

Mahesh's charm and screen presence were well captured in the film. To prove himself as an actor he did a young father's role in Yuvaraju next but his fans did not like it that much. The movie became an above average. Later, he had a forgettable flop in Vamsy, but he found his life partner, Namrata Shirodkar during the shoot. The couple married in Mumbai after 4 years of dating.

The real turning point of his career, was Murari, his next film. He did a young village boy character, cursed to die young and his performance in the direction of Krishna Vamshi established his acting capabilities like never before. His Takkari Donga, next film, established his style as a cowboy on screen but film being too advanced and also a bit predictable failed at box office.

Bobby too failed due to story. Box office turning point of Mahesh, Okkadu released in 2003 for Sankranthi and it gave him the platform to become Superstar of this generation. Naani, Nijam, Arjun tried to improve on the image Okkadu gave him but Athadu, Pokiri are his landmark films. One is a film that is revered as modern classic by this generation as they watch it regularly on TV and Pokiri became an Industry hit.

He delivered a revered comic performance in Khaleja even though it flopped. His acting abilities again shone in Businessman while Dookudu mixed his star image and comic abilities well. He shared screen with Venkatesh in Seethamma Vakitlo Srimalle Chettu which became popular with youth. His Srimanthudu, Bharat Ane Nenu, Maharshi all stand a testimony to his acting abilities while even though flops - Nenokkadine, Athadu, Athidi have him coming up with very different to his regular performances.

As an actor and as a star, he proved his box office prowess, his acting abilities without restricting himself to one genre. With Brahmostavam, Spyder debacles, the star has decided to go safe bets more but we are sure he will try something different again as an actor to please himself and even his fans. We wish this charmed actor on screen and gentleman off-screen, a very happy birthday and many more long lasting successful films, awards as an actor.