The Indian actor, film producer, and entrepreneur Rana Daggubati was born on 14 December 1984 (41 years old) in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India.
He works mainly in Telugu cinema and has also appeared in Hindi and Tamil films.
He made his acting debut with the Telugu political drama Leader (2010). The role earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, South. Many viewers also know him for playing Bhallaladeva in S. S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali films.
Quick Facts of Rana Daggubati
| Full Name | Ramanaidu Daggubati |
| Profession | Actor, film producer, entrepreneur |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Date of Birth | 14 December 1984 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India |
| Current Address | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Gender | Male |
Rana Daggubati Early Life and Education
He grew up heavily immersed in cinema and frequently spent time on film sets.
Rana Daggubati comes from the legendary Daggubati-Akkineni film family.
Initially pursuing visual effects and industrial photography rather than acting, he revolutionised Indian cinema’s special effects before taking on iconic leading and antagonist roles, most notably Bhallaladeva in Baahubali.
Education
He did his early schooling in Chennai at Chettinad Vidyashram. Later, he moved to Hyderabad, where he studied at Nalanda Vidya Bhavan High School and The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet.
He enrolled at St. Mary’s College in Hyderabad to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree, but dropped out after just two months.
| School | The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet |
| Alma Mater | St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad |
| Highest Qualification | College Dropped Out |
Rana Daggubati Personal Life
Rana Daggubati is married to entrepreneur and interior designer Miheeka Bajaj. Hailing from the prominent Daggubati-Akkineni film dynasty, he has openly navigated notable health adversities and balances a multifaceted career as an actor, producer, and businessman.
He lost vision in his right eye after a childhood accident and later underwent a corneal transplant at the L. V. Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad. However, the surgery could not restore vision in that eye. His left eye, which allows him to see, is a donor eye that he received through a transplant after the donor’s passing. Despite these challenges, Rana has continued to build a successful career in the film industry.
The Baahubali actor has also battled severe health complications, including kidney failure, which required intensive treatment and surgery in the United States.
Marriage
They got engaged on 21 May 2020 and married on 8 August 2020 at Ramanaidu Studios. The couple, who were longtime acquaintances through Rana’s sister, reconnected during the pandemic lockdowns.
Rana has credited Miheeka for bringing a grounding, “zen energy” to his previously chaotic and free-spirited lifestyle.
Past Relationships and Rumours
Trisha Krishnan and Rana openly admitted to dating the actress. While appearing on Koffee With Karan, he confirmed they had been friends for a decade and dated briefly, but ultimately decided they were better off as friends.
Rumoured Link-ups: Over the years, the Baahubali actor was frequently linked to several other leading ladies in the industry, most notably Anushka Shetty and Bipasha Basu.
However, Rana and the concerned parties either dismissed these as media speculation or clarified that they were strictly professional relationships and close friendships.
Family
Rana Daggubati belongs to the illustrious Akkineni–Daggubati family, one of the most prominent dynasties in the Indian film industry.
His paternal uncle is superstar Venkatesh Daggubati, and actor Naga Chaitanya is his cousin.
Father
His father is film producer D. Suresh Babu. One of the most influential film producers in Telugu cinema. He manages the family’s massive film legacy, production, and distribution empire.
Mother
His mother’s name is Lakshmi Daggubati. A homemaker who previously worked in a film laboratory, giving Rana an early, deep understanding of the cinema industry.
Siblings
- Abhiram Daggubati: An actor in the Telugu film industry who made his silver screen debut with the 2023 movie Ahimsa.
- Malavika Daggubati: Unlike her brother and Rana, Malavika keeps a low profile and is not actively involved in the film industry.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Miheeka Bajaj |
| Children | Yet to be updated |
| Parents | Father: D. Suresh Babu Mother: Lakshmi Daggubati |
| Siblings | Brother: Abhiram Daggubati Sister: Malavika Daggubati |
Rana Daggubati Career
Rana Daggubati began his acting career in 2010 and gradually built a place across Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil cinema.
Over time, he worked in political dramas, action films, historical subjects, multi-starrer projects, web series, and television shows.
He also balanced acting with production and hosting projects.
Lead actor debut and early films, 2010 to 2012
He started as a lead actor in 2010 with Leader, directed by Sekhar Kammula, opposite Richa Gangopadhyay.
In 2011, he acted in Nenu Naa Rakshasi with Ileana D’Cruz. The same year, he made his Hindi debut with Dum Maaro Dum, working with Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, and Prateik Babbar.
In 2012, he appeared in Naa Ishtam. He also acted in Department alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt. In the same year, he starred in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum opposite Nayanthara.
Tamil debut and wider recognition from 2013 to 2014
In 2013, he made his Tamil debut with Arrambam, co-starring Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara, Arya, and Taapsee Pannu.
The same year, he appeared in the Hindi film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani with Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Kalki Koechlin. He also made a cameo in Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru in its Telugu version.
National breakthrough with Baahubali and major roles from 2015 to 2017
In 2015, he played Bhallaladeva in Baahubali: The Beginning, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, alongside Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Ramya Krishnan.
The same year, he appeared in Baby with Akshay Kumar and Kay Kay Menon. He also acted in Rudhramadevi with Anushka Shetty and Allu Arjun and made a guest appearance in Dongata.
In 2016, he starred in Bangalore Naatkal with Arya, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Raai Laxmi, Sri Divya, and Bobby Simha.
In 2017, he reprised his role in Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. He also starred in The Ghazi Attack with Kay Kay Menon and Atul Kulkarni.
In the same year, he appeared in Nene Raju Nene Mantri opposite Kajal Aggarwal. He also acted in the web series Social and served as narrator in Winner.
Diverse films and multi-industry projects, 2018 to 2020
In 2018, he appeared in Welcome to New York and voiced the Telugu version of Rajaratha.
In 2019, he acted in NTR: Kathanayakudu and NTR: Mahanayakudu with Nandamuri Balakrishna and Vidya Balan.
He also appeared in Housefull 4 with Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, Kriti Sanon, Kriti Kharbanda, and Pooja Hegde. He made a guest appearance in Enai Noki Paayum Thota.
OTT projects and recent films 2021 to 2024
In 2021, he played Bandev in Kaadan, alongside Vishnu Vishal, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Zoya Hussain. The Hindi version was released as Haathi Mere Saathi. He also appeared in 1945.
In 2022, he played Daniel Shekar in Bheemla Nayak with Pawan Kalyan. He starred in Virata Parvam as Dr Ravi Shankar opposite Sai Pallavi.
From 2023 to 2025, he played the lead in the Netflix series Rana Naidu with Venkatesh Daggubati and Surveen Chawla. In 2023, he made a cameo in Spy.
In 2024, he appeared in Vettaiyan alongside Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, and Fahadh Faasil. He also hosted The Rana Daggubati Show in 2024.
Latest films and upcoming projects 2025 to 2026
In 2025, Rana Daggubati continued working across different types of projects in Telugu and Tamil cinema.
He appeared in Kaantha (2025), where he played the role of Phoenix. In this film, he worked alongside Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, and others. He also acted in Mirai (2025), where he played the character described as Mysterious Man.
In the same year, he worked as the narrator in Uppu Kappurambu (2025). His role in this film was uncredited.
In 2026, Rana Daggubati has several projects listed in different stages of production.
He is set to appear in Parasakthi (2026), where he plays the role of Michael Reddy. The film features actors such as Dulquer Salmaan and Samuthirakani.
He is also part of Vishwambhara (2026), where he is reported to play the role of the Villain.
Other projects in the filming stage include Rakshasa Raja and Jai Hanuman.
He is also associated with Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the King of Travancore, which is based on a historical subject.
In addition, he is linked to an untitled film project and another untitled project with Kriti Kharbanda, both currently in development stages.
With these projects, he continues to remain active in large-scale films and multilingual cinema.
Rana Daggubati Awards and Achievement
Rana Daggubati has received several awards and nominations as an actor in Telugu cinema and for his work in multilingual films.
His awards list includes Filmfare Awards South, Nandi Awards, and SIIMA Awards.
He has also been associated with a National Film Award-winning film as a producer.
His major wins
- Filmfare Awards South (2010): Won Best Male Debut, South for Leader (2010).
- Nandi Awards (2010): Won Special Jury Award for Leader (2010).
- SIIMA Awards (2013): Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012).
- SIIMA Awards (2017): Won Best Actor in a Negative Role for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017).
- National Film Awards: The film Bommalata (2004), associated with him as a producer, won Best Children’s Film.
His key nominations
- Filmfare Awards South (2012): Nominated Best Actor, Telugu for Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012).
- Filmfare Awards South (2015): Nominated Best Supporting Actor for Baby (2015).
- Filmfare Awards South (2017): Nominated Best Supporting Actor for Baahubali: The Beginning (2015).
- Filmfare Awards South (2018): Nominated Best Actor in a Negative Role for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Rana Daggubati Controversies
Rana Daggubati has faced a few public controversies, mainly linked to legal investigations and remarks made during public events, as reported in the media.
2023 (King of Kotha promotional event comment and apology): Reports say that during a promotional event for the film King of Kotha in 2023, Rana Daggubati shared a behind-the-scenes story about a leading Hindi film actress allegedly delaying shoots while Dulquer Salmaan waited. Social media users assumed he was referring to Sonam Kapoor, who had earlier worked with Salmaan in The Zoya Factor. The comments led to online backlash. Rana later issued a public apology, stating that his remarks were misinterpreted and not meant to hurt anyone.
2024 (Enforcement Directorate ED summons in betting app probe): Reports say Rana Daggubati was summoned and questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in Hyderabad in connection with an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The probe was related to the alleged promotion of online betting and gambling applications. After appearing before the authorities, he stated that he had followed due process and was cooperating with investigators regarding brand endorsements.
2025 (Daggubati family property dispute case): In early 2025, reports stated that businessman Anand Kumar filed a case in Hyderabad naming members of the Daggubati family, including Rana and his father D. Suresh Babu, alleging illegal demolition of property in the Nanakramguda area and claiming financial losses. The matter was reported as part of a legal dispute. Further official updates are yet to be released.
Rana Daggubati Net Worth
Rana Daggubati’s net worth is approximately ₹142 crores ($14.9 million), and he charges approximately ₹6 to ₹8 crores per movie.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | ₹142 crores ($14.9 million) |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₹6 to ₹8 crores ($630,000 to $840,000) |
Rana Daggubati Height, Weight & Physical Stats
The following are the physical appearances of Rana Daggubati.
| Height | In centimetres: 187 cm In meters: 1.87 m In feet & inches: 6′ 1½ inches |
| Weight | In kg: 85–95 kg In lbs: 187–209 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 46-34-18 inches |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Black |
Interesting Facts About Rana Daggubati
- Rana Daggubati lost vision in his right eye during childhood and has spoken publicly about living with sight in only one eye.
- His real name is Ramanaidu Daggubati, named after his grandfather, legendary producer D. Ramanaidu.
- Before becoming an actor, he worked professionally in visual effects and film production, making him one of the few actors with a strong technical filmmaking background.
- He is a passionate comic book and graphic novel collector and has often discussed his interest in fantasy and superhero storytelling.
- Rana founded Spirit Media, a company involved in visual effects, content creation, and media production, before establishing himself as a leading actor.
Rana Daggubati Instagram, X, Facebook
 @ranadaggubati | |
| X |  @RanaDaggubati |
 @RanaDaggubati |
FAQs
Who is Rana Daggubati?
Rana Daggubati is an Indian actor, film producer, and entrepreneur who works mainly in Telugu cinema.
How old is Rana Daggubati?
Rana Daggubati is 41 years old. He was born on 14 December 1984 in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India.
Who is Rana Daggubati’s wife?
Rana Daggubati is married to Miheeka Bajaj.
What was Rana Daggubati’s debut film as a lead actor?
Rana Daggubati’s debut as a lead actor was Leader (2010).
Where are Rana Daggubati’s parents from?
Rana Daggubati’s parents belong to a Telugu-speaking family connected to the Indian film industry.
What does Rana Daggubati do for a living?
Rana Daggubati works as an actor, film producer, television host, and entrepreneur.
