Some lives are exemplary. Their towering achievements and highest principles inspire everyone. The life and career of the multi-faceted personality Dr. Mohan Babu need no introduction. He has got a permanent place in the hearts of the Telugu people. The 'Peda Rayudu' sits ensconced in our hearts for being an accomplished actor, the Collection King par excellence, the Dialogue King, and more. He has played a diverse set of roles, from lead ones to antagonists to others. Born as Manchu Bhakthavatsalam, the versatile performer's cinematic journey has completed 47 years.
Born in the Modhugulapalem village near Tirupati, Chittoor district, Bhakthavatsalam Naidu completed his primary education in Yerpedu, Tirupathi. Since he was interested in acting right at a young age, he migrated to Madras to realize his dream of becoming an artist. In Madras, he began his career as a Physical education instructor at the YMCA college. But his desire to shine on the silver screen made him seek new opportunities.
He toiled hard, day in and day out, to the point that he didn't mind struggling for even basic essentials such as food and shelter. He joined as an assistant under director Lakshmi Deepak.
It was in the year 1975 that his life had a major turnaround when he auditioned for 'Swargam Narakam', directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao, who felt that he would be the perfect fit in the role of a villain. With the breakout film, Bakthavatsalam Naidu adopted the screenname of Mohan Babu.
Mohan Babu, who began his career on a strong note, has since done 573 movies, donning all kinds of roles and excelling in a wide range of emotions. Some of his box-office sensational hits include 'Alludu Garu', 'Assembly Rowdy', 'Rowdy Gari Pellam', among others. They cemented his image as a hero.
'Allari Mogudu', 'Brahma', 'Major Chandrakanth' catapulted him to the position of Telugu cinema's 'Collection King'. 'Peda Rayudu' later became an industry hit. 'Sri Ramulayya' and 'Adavilo Anna' came later. In all, he acted as a lead man in 216 movies. His movies such as 'Peda Rayudu' had the lofty message that justice and fairness are great ideals that we must practice.
In 1983, Mohan Babu launched the banner Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures on which he has so far produced more than 72 movies. That way, he is one of the most successful producers. In the year 1992, he founded educational institutions and through Sree Vidyanikethan Educational Trust, he has been offering free education to needy meritorious students.
He was feted with Padma Shri in 2007 for his yeomen contributions in the fields of cinema and education. He has also been awarded for his contributions in various fields. Nata Prapurna, Dialogue King, and Collection King are some of his titles. 'Actor Of The Millennium' is yet another title that he is credited with.
In 2017, Mohan Babu garnered the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South. He is also a recipient of awards/titles like 'Nata Vaachaspathi' and 'Navarasa Nataratnam'.
As on November 24, 2022, it has been 47 years since Mohan Babu entered the film industry.
In the field of politics, he became a Rajya Sabha member in 1995 with the blessings of NTR.
To this day, he continues to essay lead roles in movies and remains a steadfast promoter of art and artists. It's wished that he continues to be the multi-faceted personality he has been.
