Mohan Babu Age, Wiki, Wife, Family, Career, Net Worth

Mohan Babu is a 74 years old Indian actor, film producer, educationist, and politician, born on 19 March 1952. From Modhugulapalem village near Tirupati to becoming one of the most familiar faces in Telugu cinema, his story is closely linked with more than five decades of Indian film history.

Born as Manchu Bhakthavatsalam Naidu, he later became famous by his screen name, Mohan Babu. His powerful voice, sharp dialogue delivery, and commanding acting style made him stand apart on screen. Fans fondly call him the “Dialogue King” and “Collection King.”

Mohan Babu has acted in more than 500 films and is remembered for performances in Pedarayudu, Major Chandrakanth, Annamayya, Yamadonga, and Soorarai Pottru.

His life has also gone beyond cinema. He has worked in education, served as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, and received major honours, including the Padma Shri and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. His long career has made him an important figure in Telugu cinema.

Quick Facts of Mohan Babu

Full Name	Manchu Bhakthavatsalam Naidu
Profession	Actor, Film Producer, Educationist, Politician
Age	74 years old
Date of Birth	19 March 1952
Nationality	Indian
Zodiac/Sun Sign	Pisces
Birthplace	Modhugulapalem district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Current Address	Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Gender	Male

Mohan Babu Early Life and Education

Mohan Babu was born into a middle-class family in Modhugulapalem near Tirupati. He liked theatre and films from a young age, but he first chose a steady career on his father’s advice.

Education

Mohan Babu completed his early schooling in Yerpedu village and Tirupati. He later moved to Chennai, then known as Madras, to work as a physical education instructor at the YMCA College of Physical Education. Babu also trained at the Madras Film Institute.

School	Yerpedu village and Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Alma Mater	YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai
Highest Qualification	Degree in Physical Education

Mohan Babu Personal Life

Mohan Babu is currently married to his wife’s sister, Nirmala Devi, after his wife Vidya Devi passed away.

About Nirmala Devi

Nirmala Devi Manchu is a sister of the late Vidya Devi. She has largely stayed away from the spotlight and has supported Mohan Babu’s family and career from behind the scenes.

Children

Mohan Babu has three children: a daughter and two sons, all of whom are well-established actors in the Telugu film industry.

Daughter

Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna is Mohan Babu’s eldest child from his marriage to Vidya Devi. She is an actress, producer, television presenter, philanthropist, and NFT collector in the Telugu film industry. Lakshmi has won nine film awards for her acting performances. She co-owns Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures with her family.

Sons

Manchu Vishnu is a popular Telugu actor and producer. He is a son from Mohan Babu’s first marriage to Vidya Devi and the biological brother of Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna. He is the co-owner of the film production house 24 Frames Factory.

Manchu Manoj is also a popular Telugu actor and producer. Manoj is celebrated as the “Rocking Star” of Telugu cinema and owns a production house, MM Arts. He is the younger son of Mohan Babu’s marriage to Nirmala Devi and the half-brother of Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna and Manchu Vishnu.

Family

Mohan Babu grew up in Modhugulapalem village near Tirupati in a middle-class household that valued education.

Father

Babu’s father, Manchu Narayanaswamy Naidu, was a school headmaster. Naidu encouraged Mohan to pursue a stable profession before he entered the film industry.

Mother

Mohan’s mother, Lakshmamma, was a homemaker. She lived a quiet life supporting her family, raising her children, and staying connected to her roots in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

Siblings

Mohan Babu has three younger brothers and a younger sister. Mohan’s brothers are Ranganath Chowdary (Naidu), Ramachandra Chowdary, and Krishna. Of his three brothers, Ranganath died due to cardiac arrest in 2021. Babu has a sister named Vijaya.

Relationship Status	Married
Wife	Nirmala Devi First Wife: Vidya Devi
Children	Daughter: Manchu Lakshmi (from Vidya Devi) Elder Son: Manchu Vishnu (from Vidya Devi) Youngest Son: Manchu Manoj (from Nirmala Devi)
Parents	Father: Manchu Narayanaswamy Naidu Mother: Lakshmamma
Siblings	Brothers: Ranganath Chowdary, Ramachandra Chowdary, Krishna Sister: Vijaya

Mohan Babu Career

Before entering films, Mohan Babu worked as a physical education instructor at YMCA College in Mylapore, Chennai. During this time, he was introduced to writer-director Dasari Narayana Rao.

His Screen Debut (1974) and Name Change (1975)

• 1974: Alluri Seetharama Raju — Mohan Babu appeared as the bridegroom.
• 1975: Kannavaari Kalalu and Swargam Narakam — During this period, director Dasari Narayana Rao gave him the stage name “Mohan Babu.”

His Back-to-Back Releases From 1976–1981

• 1976: Bhale Dongalu, O Manishi Thirigi Chudu, and Athavarillu.
• 1977: Kurukshetramu and Ardhangi. He also co-starred in Tholireyi Gadichindi with Rajinikanth.
• 1978: Vichitra Jeevitham.
• 1979: Sivaranjani, Driver Ramudu, Kotta Alludu, and Ramude Ravanudaithe. His role in Sivaranjani further strengthened his image as a memorable on-screen villain.
• 1980: Karmveer.
• 1981: Kirayi Rowdylu, Chattaniki Kallu Levu, Addala Meda, Prema Simhasanam, and Kondaveeti Simham.

His Transition to Lead Roles and Becoming a Producer in 1983

In 1982, Babu founded his own production house, Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures, and its debut film, Pratigna (1983), became a commercial success.

The films he produced included Billa Ranga, Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu, Prathigna, Gruha Pravesam, Chandamama, Devatha, Jayasudha, Kotha Neeru, Bangaru Koduku, Pralaya Rudrudu, Prathikaram, and Sawaal.

Career From 1984 to 2000

• 1984: Bhale Ramudu and Padmavyuham.
• 1985: Adavi Donga, Vintha Mogudu, and Illaliko Pariksha.
• 1986: Kondaveeti Raja, Nampalli Nagu, Tandra Paparayudu, Ugra Narasimham and Papikondalu.
• 1987: Srinivasa Kalyanam, Chakravarthy, Sardar Dharmanna, and Krishna Leela.
• 1988: Dorakani Donga, Janaki Ramudu, Murali Krishnudu, and Manchi Donga.
• 1989: Lankeswarudu, Dhruva Nakshatram, Koduku Diddina Kapuram, Naa Mogudu Nanke Sontham, and Naa Mogudu Nanke Sontham.
• 1990: Kodama Simham, Kondaveeti Donga, Alludugaru, Prananiki Pranam, and Prema Yuddham.
• 1991: Rowdy Gari Pellam, Coolie No. 1, Assembly Rowdy, and Peddintalludu.
• 1992: Brahma, Allari Mogudu, Donga Police, Detective Narada, and Samrat Ashoka.
• 1993: Major Chandrakanth
• 1994: Allari Police and Punya Bhoomi Naa Desam.
• 1995: Pedarayudu
• 1996: Adirindi Alludu.
• 1997: Adavilo Anna and Collector Garu
• 1998: Raayudu and Khaidi Garu.
• 1999: Sri Ramulayya and Yamajathakudu
• 2000: Postman

His Career From 2000–2026

He appeared on screen in Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary and Mahakali Ka Insaaf. Later, he appeared in Adhipathi with Nagarjuna Akkineni. He played a role in Tappu Chesi Pappu Koodu and Kondaveeti Simhasanam.

Mohan appeared in Man on Mission Fauladi and Shiva Shankar in 2004. Later, in Suryam, he was cast with Manchu Vishnu and Archana Shastry.

In 2007, Mohan Babu acted in Yama Dharmaraja with Jr. N. T. R. and Priyamani. He acted in Jhummandi Naadam with Taapsee Pannu in 2010. The next year, Mohan also acted in Mugguru.

In 2013, Mohan Babu portrayed Rudraksha Rushi in the biographical-devotional film Sri Jagadguru Aadi Shankara. The next year, Mohan Babu acted in Pandavulu Tummeda with his sons, Raveena Tandon, Hansika Motwani, and Pranitha Subhash. In the same year, he also acted in Rowdy with Shanvi Srivastava.

In 2015, Mohan acted in Mama Manchu Alludu Kanchu with Allari Naresh. He also made a special appearance in Luckunnodu in 2017. The next year, Mohan Babu appeared in Mahanati with Keerthy Suresh, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Vijay Deverakonda.

In 2020, he acted in the Tamil film Soorarai Pottru with Paresh Rawal. Babu appeared in the film Son of India. In the same period, he was cast in Shakuntalam.

In Kannappa (2025), Babu was cast with Kajal Aggarwal, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and Prabhas. In the same year, he appeared in Daksha with his daughter, Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna. He was also cast in the film Srinivasa Mangapuram in 2026.

His Other Works

Alongside his acting career, Babu served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, representing Andhra Pradesh, from 18 April 1995 to 2 April 2000. He was a member of the Telugu Desam Party. Later, he joined the YSR Congress Party in 2019.

In 1993, Mohan founded the Sree Vidyanikethan Educational Trust in Tirupati. In January 2022, it was renamed Mohan Babu University, with him serving as its founder and chancellor.

Mohan Babu Upcoming Film Projects

Mohan Babu is set to appear in The Paradise with Nani and Raghav Juyal. The film is scheduled for release on 24 September 2026. He will also appear in the Telugu action thriller Agni Nakshatram, which he is producing with his daughter Lakshmi Manchu.

Mohan Babu Filmography

Year	Film	Role	IMDb Rating
1974	Alluri Seetharama Raju	Bridegroom	8.1/10
1975	Swargam Narakam	Rajesh	8.0/10
1978	Sivaranjani	–	8.3/10
1981	Kondaveeti Simham	Ravi	6.6/10
1982	Prathigna	–	9.1/10
1988	Janaki Ramudu	Balavantha Rao	6.1/10
1990	Kodama Simham	Sudigaali	7.1/10
1991	Assembly Rowdy	Shivaji	6.7/10
1992	Brahma	Ravi Varma	6.1/10
1993	Major Chandrakanth	Shivaji	7.1/10
1995	Pedarayudu	Pedarayudu & Raja	7.4/10
1997	Adavilo Anna	Shivaji	4.5/10
1997	Annamayya	Saluva Narasimha	8.1/10
1997	Collector Garu	Rambabu	5.7/10
1998	Rayudu	Rayudu	5.4/10
1999	Sri Ramulayya	Ramulayya	7.8/10
1999	Yamajaathakudu	Shivaji	5.2/10
2000	Postman	Vishnu	4.1/10
2000	Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary	Ramanna	7.4/10
2001	Adhipathi	Shivaji	4.1/10
2002	Tappu Chesi Pappu Koodu	Shivaji	5.6/10
2007	Yamadonga	Yama Dharmaraju	7.2/10
2018	Mahanati	S. V. Ranga Rao	8.4/10
2020	Soorarai Pottru	M. Bhaktavatsalam Naidu	8.6/10
2022	Son of India	Virupaksha	2.6/10
2023	Shaakuntalam	Durvasa Maharishi	4.3/10
2025	Kannappa	Mahadeva Shastri	4.6/10
2025	Daksha	Dr. Viswamitra	3.7/10
2026	Srinivasa Mangapuram	Venkatappayya Naidu	3.8/10
2026	The Paradise	Shikanja Maalik	Upcoming
2026	Agni Nakshatram	–	Upcoming

Mohan Babu Awards and Achievements

Mohan Babu is one of the most recognized personalities in Telugu cinema, with recognition spanning national, industry, and honorary accolades.

Key Wins

• Padma Shri (2007): For his contribution to film arts.
• Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu (1995): For Pedarayudu.
• Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South (2016): For contribution to South Indian cinema.
• CineMAA Award for Best Supporting Actor (2008): For Yamadonga.
• 6th SIIMA Awards – Special Appreciation Award (2017): For completing 40 years in cinema.
• Honorary Doctorate, Dr. MGR University (2017): Conferred at the university’s 26th convocation in Chennai.
• Honorary Doctorate, University of California, Berkeley: For his contribution to cinema and education.
• “Viswa Nata Sarvabhouma” Title: Conferred at Shilpakala Vedika, Hyderabad, by former Union Minister T. Subbarami Reddy.
• Natavachaspathi Title: For his contribution to Telugu cinema.
• National Geographic Award (2017): For his contribution to the arts.

Key Nominations

• SIIMA – Tamil (2021): For Soorarai Pottru.
• Filmfare Awards South (2001): For Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary.
• Filmfare Awards South (2015): For Rowdy.

Mohan Babu Controversies

Mohan Babu has been at the centre of a few major controversies in recent years, largely stemming from a public feud within his own family.

• Journalist Assault & Family Feud (2024): In December 2024, a severe public dispute erupted between Mohan Babu and his youngest son, Manchu Manoj, over possession of the family residence. Mohan registered a complaint against his son Manoj. When journalists were invited to cover the escalation, an enraged Mohan Babu grabbed a microphone and violently struck a TV reporter, leaving him with severe head and facial fractures.
• Actress Soundarya Death Allegations (2025): In March 2025, 21 years after the tragic 2004 plane crash that claimed the life of actress Soundarya, a complaint was filed by a social activist accusing Babu of being involved in her death. The complaint alleged her death was a murder linked to an ongoing property dispute over a six-acre guesthouse. However, these claims have been firmly dismissed by Soundarya’s family and husband as completely baseless.
• Caste Insults (2012): Mohan was booked in a criminal case in 2012 due to allegations that his film Denikaina Ready denigrated and insulted the Brahmin community.

Mohan Babu Net Worth

Mohan Babu’s net worth is approximately ₹689 crore (approximately $82 million). He charges around ₹5 crore ($0.52 million) per film.

Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.)	₹689 crore ($82 million)
Salary (Approx.)	₹5 crore ($0.52 million) per film

Mohan Babu Height, Weight and Physical Stats

The following are Mohan Babu’s physical appearance:

Height	In centimetres: 183 cm In meters: 1.83 m In feet & inches: 6 feet
Weight	In kg: 65 kg In lbs: 143 lbs
Body Measurements	42-36-15
Hair Color	Grey
Eye Color	Black

Mohan Babu Social Media

Instagram	@themohanbabu
X	@themohanbabu
Facebook	@TheMohanBabu
Own site	@mohanbabu

Interesting Facts About Mohan Babu

• Mohan Babu survived a major bomb blast in 1997.
• A book compiling his popular film dialogues, titled Dialogue King, was launched in the House of Commons, British Parliament, on 11 May 2016.
• He only produced, but did not act in, Vishnu (2003), Raju Bhai (2007), Denikaina Ready (2012), and Doosukeltha (2013).
• Babu is also known as Dr. Mohan Babu M.

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