Nani, born Ghanta Naveen Babu, is a celebrated Indian actor widely recognized for his work in Telugu cinema.
He was born on February 24, 1984 (42 years old), in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
He mainly works in Telugu cinema and is fondly called the “Natural Star” by his fans for his realistic and effortless screen presence. He has also acted in a few Tamil films.
Nani made his acting debut with the Telugu romantic comedy Ashta Chamma (2008) and rose to fame with Ala Modalaindi (2011) and Eega (2012). He went on to deliver hits like Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015), Jersey (2019), Shyam Singha Roy (2021), Dasara (2023), Hi Nanna (2023), and HIT: The Third Case (2025).
He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, Telugu, for Dasara (2023) and is the only Telugu actor to win the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor twice, for Bhale Bhale Magadivoy and Shyam Singha Roy.
Quick Facts of Nani
| Full Name | Ghanta Naveen Babu |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer, Television Presenter |
| Age | 42 years old |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1984 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Current Address | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Gender | Male |
Nani Early Life and Education
Nani was born as Ghanta Naveen Babu in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
He was raised in a Telugu speaking Hindu family. His family hails from Challapalli in Andhra Pradesh.
He grew up in Hyderabad with his parents and his elder sister, Deepthi Ghanta. During his college days, he became deeply fond of films and credits filmmaker Mani Ratnam as a major influence on his journey.
Education
Nani did his schooling at St. Alphonsa’s High School, Hyderabad.
He then completed his intermediate from Narayana Junior College in S. R. Nagar, Hyderabad.
He later graduated from Wesley Degree College in Secunderabad, Telangana.
| School | St. Alphonsa’s High School, Hyderabad |
| Alma Mater | Wesley Degree College, Secunderabad |
| Highest Qualification | Graduate |
Nani Personal Life
Nani is known for keeping his personal life private and grounded, even with his stardom. He is happily married and is often seen sharing simple family moments with his fans.
Wife
Nani is married to Anjana Yelavarthy, a software engineer by profession. The couple tied the knot on October 27, 2012, at Rushikonda Resorts in Visakhapatnam, after dating for nearly five years.
They first met when Nani was working as a radio jockey in Visakhapatnam. The two became close friends before falling in love and getting married in a private ceremony.
Children
Nani and Anjana welcomed their son, Arjun Ghanta, in 2017. The actor often shares glimpses of his bond with Arjun on social media.
Parents
Nani shares a close bond with both his parents.
Nani’s father is Rambabu Ghanta, a businessman by profession.
His mother is Vijayalakshmi Ghanta, who is a homemaker and a former central government employee.
Siblings
Nani has an elder sister named Deepthi Ghanta. She is a film producer and shares a close bond with him.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Anjana Yelavarthy |
| Children | Son: Arjun Ghanta |
| Parents | Father: Rambabu Ghanta Mother: Vijayalakshmi Ghanta |
| Siblings | Sister: Deepthi Ghanta |
Nani Career
Nani began his journey in Telugu cinema as a clap director and assistant director before stepping in front of the camera. Over the years, he has grown into one of the most loved and bankable stars of Tollywood.
Early Career as Clap Director and RJ (2005 to 2007)
Nani started his film career as a clap director on the Telugu film Radha Gopalam (2005), produced by Anil Kumar Koneru and directed by Bapu.
He later worked as an assistant in films like Allari Bullodu (2005), Astram (2006), and Dhee (2007).
He then took a short break to write a film script. During that time, he worked as a radio jockey at World Space Satellite, hosting a show called “Non-Stop Nani” for about a year.
Acting Debut and Early Films (2008 to 2010)
Nani made his acting debut with the Telugu romantic comedy Ashta Chamma (2008), opposite Swathi Reddy, along with Srinivas Avasarala and Bhargavi.
In 2009, he appeared in Ride opposite Tanish, Aksha Pardasany, and Shweta Basu Prasad, followed by Snehithuda with Madhavi Latha.
In 2010, he played the lead in Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu, opposite Saranya Mohan, a sports drama that earned him critical praise.
Breakthrough Phase (2011 to 2012)
In 2011, Nani had his big breakthrough with Ala Modalaindi opposite Nithya Menen, which was a blockbuster at the box office.
The same year, he made his Tamil debut with Veppam, opposite Nithya Menen and Bobby Simha. He also starred in Pilla Zamindar with Haripriya and Bindu Madhavi.
In 2012, he featured in S. S. Rajamouli’s Eega opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Sudeep, which became one of the highest grossing Telugu films of the year. He followed it with Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu, winning him the Nandi Award for Best Actor.
Mixed Phase (2013 to 2014)
In 2014, Nani appeared in Paisa opposite Catherine Tresa and the Tamil film Aaha Kalyanam opposite Vaani Kapoor. Both films underperformed at the box office despite his performances being noticed.
Rise as a Leading Star (2015 to 2017)
In 2015, Nani starred in Janda Pai Kapiraju opposite Amala Paul, Yevade Subramanyam opposite Malvika Nair and Vijay Deverakonda, and Bhale Bhale Magadivoy opposite Lavanya Tripathi. The last one was a blockbuster and earned him his first Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor, Telugu.
In 2016, he delivered another big hit with Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha opposite Mehreen Pirzada. The same year, he played a double role in Gentleman opposite Surbhi Puranik and Nivetha Thomas, and also appeared in Jyo Achyutananda with Regina Cassandra and Majnu with Anu Emmanuel.
In 2017, he had a hat trick of hits with Nenu Local opposite Keerthy Suresh, Ninnu Kori opposite Nivetha Thomas and Aadhi Pinisetty, and Middle Class Abbayi (MCA) opposite Sai Pallavi and Bhumika Chawla.
Variety of Roles (2018 to 2020)
In 2018, Nani played dual roles in Krishnarjuna Yudham opposite Anupama Parameswaran and Rukshar Dhillon. He then teamed up with Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Aakanksha Singh in Devadas (2018).
In 2019, he delivered one of the most acclaimed performances of his career with Jersey, opposite Shraddha Srinath. The same year, he featured in Nani’s Gang Leader along with Kartikeya Gummakonda, Priyanka Mohan, and Priyanka Jawalkar.
In 2020, his 25th film V was released on Amazon Prime Video, where he played a serial killer opposite Sudheer Babu and Aditi Rao Hydari, marking his first negative role.
Continued Success (2021 to 2023)
In 2021, he appeared in Tuck Jagadish opposite Ritu Varma. Later that year, he played a double role in Shyam Singha Roy opposite Sai Pallavi and Krithi Shetty, earning his second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.
In 2022, he led Ante Sundaraniki opposite Nazriya Nazim, and made a special appearance as Arjun Sarkaar in HIT: The Second Case, starring Adivi Sesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary.
In 2023, his rugged action drama Dasara was released, again opposite Keerthy Suresh, and became the highest grossing film of his career. He followed it with Hi Nanna opposite Mrunal Thakur, Ritika Nayak, and Shruti Haasan, which was a strong worldwide success.
Recent Work (2024 to 2025)
In 2024, his only release was the action drama Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, opposite Priyanka Mohan and S. J. Suryah. The film became another box office success.
In 2025, Nani played IPS officer Arjun Sarkaar in HIT: The Third Case opposite Srinidhi Shetty, which became the highest grossing film in the HIT franchise.
Production Work
Nani turned producer with D for Dopidi (2013), which starred Sundeep Kishan, Varun Sandesh, Naveen Polishetty, and Rakesh Rachakonda. He later launched his own banner, Wall Poster Cinema, with Prashanti Tipirneni as partner in 2018.
Under Wall Poster Cinema, he has produced acclaimed films like Awe (2018), HIT: The First Case (2020) with Vishwak Sen and Ruhani Sharma, HIT: The Second Case (2022), Meet Cute web series (2022), Court – State vs A Nobody (2025), and HIT: The Third Case (2025).
Television Hosting and Voice Work
Nani hosted the 2nd IIFA Utsavam in 2017 along with Rana Daggubati. In 2018, he hosted the second season of Bigg Boss Telugu on Star Maa.
He has also dubbed for Dulquer Salmaan in the Telugu version of O Kadhal Kanmani (OK Bangaram) in 2015, and voiced Simba in the Telugu version of The Lion King (2019).
Upcoming Projects
Nani’s upcoming film is The Paradise, an action drama directed by Srikanth Odela, set in 1980s Secunderabad. He is also teaming up with director Sujeeth for a new film alongside Pooja Hegde.
He is set to reunite with Hi Nanna director Shouryuv for another project. His next production under Wall Poster Cinema will star Chiranjeevi as the lead.
Nani Awards and Achievements
Nani has received several major awards for his work in Telugu cinema. He is the only Telugu actor to win the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor twice, and his most notable wins have come for Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, Jersey, Shyam Singha Roy, and Dasara.
His Major Wins
- Vijay Awards (2012): Won Best Debut Actor for Veppam (2011).
- SIIMA (2012): Won Rising Male Star of South Indian Cinema.
- Nandi Awards (2012): Won Best Actor for Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu (2012).
- Toronto After Dark Film Festival (2013): Won Best Hero for Eega (2012). Also won Best Fight.
- Filmfare Awards South (2016): Won Critics Best Actor, Telugu, for Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015).
- Nandi Awards (2016): Won Special Jury Award for Gentleman (2016).
- Zee Cine Awards Telugu (2017): Won Golden Star of the Year for Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha (2016). Also won Boy Next Door.
- TSR TV9 National Film Awards (2017): Won Best Actor Popular Choice for Gentleman (2016).
- Zee Cine Awards Telugu (2018): Won Favorite Actor of the Year, Male, for Nenu Local, Ninnu Kori, and Middle Class Abbayi (2017).
- Critics’ Choice Film Awards (2020): Won Best Actor, Male, for Jersey (2019).
- Zee Cine Awards Telugu (2020): Won Favorite Actor of the Year, Male, for Jersey (2019).
- SIIMA (2021): Won SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor, Telugu, for Jersey (2019). Also won Entertainer of the Year for Jersey and Nani’s Gang Leader.
- Filmfare Awards South (2022): Won Critics Best Actor, Telugu, for Shyam Singha Roy (2021).
- Filmfare Awards South (2024): Won Best Actor, Telugu, for Dasara (2023).
- IIFA Utsavam (2024): Won Best Actor, Telugu, for Dasara (2023).
- SIIMA (2024): Won Best Actor, Telugu, for Dasara (2023).
His Key Nominations
- CineMAA Awards (2016): Nominated for Best Actor for Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015).
- Filmfare Awards South (2016): Nominated for Best Actor, Telugu, for Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015).
- Filmfare Awards South (2017): Nominated for Best Actor, Telugu, for Gentleman (2016).
- SIIMA (2021): Nominated for Best Actor in a Negative Role, Telugu, for V (2020).
- Filmfare Awards South (2022): Nominated for Best Actor, Telugu, for Shyam Singha Roy (2021).
- SIIMA (2022): Nominated for Best Actor, Telugu, for Shyam Singha Roy (2021).
- Filmfare Awards South (2024): Nominated for Best Actor, Telugu, for Hi Nanna (2023).
- IIFA Utsavam (2024): Nominated for Hi Nanna (2023).
- SIIMA (2025): Nominated for Best Actor, Telugu, for Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (2024).
Nani Controversies
Nani has mostly stayed away from major public controversies. The issues linked to him are mostly tied to specific incidents and online debates.
Sri Reddy harassment allegations and defamation case (2018): While Nani was hosting Bigg Boss Telugu 2, actress Sri Reddy made allegations against him, claiming he blocked her entry to the show. Nani denied the claims, and his team sent a legal notice to her, seeking an unconditional apology.
Bigg Boss Telugu 2 favouritism row (2018): During the same season, fans of contestants like Nutan Naidu accused Nani of being biased towards certain housemates, such as Kaushal Manda and Geetha Madhuri. Nani responded with a public note, saying he treated all contestants equally and had no role in the voting process.
Statement on Konda Surekha’s remarks on Samantha (2024): Nani publicly criticised Telangana minister Konda Surekha after her comments dragged actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s personal life into politics. He called the remarks unacceptable and stood up for the actress, joining other stars like Jr NTR in the backlash.
Nani Net Worth
Nani’s exact net worth is not officially declared by him or his team. Most figures online are estimates based on his film fees, brand deals, and production ventures.
His net worth is estimated to be around ₹150 crore (approx. $18 million) as of 2026.
He reportedly charges around ₹25 to 40 crore per film in recent years and also earns through brand endorsements and his production house, Wall Poster Cinema.
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹150 crore (approx. $18 million) |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₹25 to 40 crore per film |
Nani Height, Weight and Physical Stats
| Height | In centimetres: 175 cm In meters: 1.75 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 70 kg In lbs: 154 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Chest: 40 inches Waist: 30 inches Biceps: 12 inches |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Nani Social Media
 @nameisnani | |
| X |  @NameisNani |
 @ActorNaniOfficial |
Interesting Facts about Nani
- Nani’s nickname “Natural Star” was given to him by his fans because of his realistic and effortless acting style, and he has said in interviews that he initially was not fully in favour of the tag but has grown to like it.
- He is a huge fan of filmmaker Mani Ratnam and has often said that Mani Ratnam’s film Dalapathi (Thalapathi) inspired him to pursue cinema.
- His performance in Jersey (2019) was listed by Film Companion among the “100 Greatest Performances of the Decade” in Indian cinema.
- He won the “RJ of the Year” award during his short stint as a radio jockey at World Space Satellite in Visakhapatnam, before stepping into films.
- Nani is known for his philanthropy, donating ₹30 lakh to the Coronavirus Charity Fund in 2020, and also leading a campaign with the Cyberabad Police, urging people to donate blood plasma for COVID patients.
- He has donated blood several times to help children suffering from Thalassemia and is recognised for his support of social causes like farmer rights.
- Nani has been featured multiple times in the Hyderabad Times Most Desirable Men list, ranking as high as 3rd place in 2016.
FAQs
What is Nani’s age?
He is 42 years old. He was born on February 24, 1984, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
What is Nani’s real name?
His real name is Ghanta Naveen Babu, and he is popularly known by his screen name Nani.
What is Nani famous for?
He is known for Telugu films like Eega (2012), Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015), Jersey (2019), Shyam Singha Roy (2021), Dasara (2023), Hi Nanna (2023), and HIT: The Third Case (2025).
Who is Nani’s wife?
He is married to software engineer Anjana Yelavarthy. They got married on October 27, 2012, in Visakhapatnam.
Does Nani have any children?
Yes. He and Anjana have a son named Arjun Ghanta, born in 2017.
Why is Nani called the Natural Star?
He is called the “Natural Star” by his fans because of his effortless and realistic acting style, where his characters feel relatable and close to everyday people.
What awards has Nani won?
He has won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, Telugu, for Dasara (2023), two Filmfare Critics Awards, two Nandi Awards, four SIIMA Awards, and four Zee Cine Awards Telugu, among others.
What are Nani’s upcoming projects?
His upcoming films include The Paradise directed by Srikanth Odela, a new film with director Sujeeth and Pooja Hegde, and another collaboration with Hi Nanna director Shouryuv.
