Eighteen years after making his acting debut, Nani has grown into one of Telugu cinema’s most dependable performers. From playing relatable youngsters in romantic dramas to taking on intense roles in action films, the actor has built a career without depending only on his star image. His journey is also special because his entry into cinema came through hard work behind the camera rather than a film family background. Over the years, that steady journey has earned him the title of ‘Natural Star’ and a strong connection with audiences.
Nani’s journey from clap assistant and RJ to Natural Star
The tale of success of Nani starts much before his foray into the world of cinema. Nani, whose birth name is Ghanta Naveen Babu, initially entered films as a clap assistant and then as an assistant director. He was eager to learn the ins and outs of the film making process. The next destination on his journey was radio, where he performed as an RJ. Non-Stop Nani, his popular program in radio, made him known to people but acting was his greater ambition. Director Mohana Krishna Indraganti eventually noticed him and gave him the opportunity to headline ‘Ashta Chamma’ in 2008.
‘Ala Modalaindi,’ ‘Eega,’ and ‘Jersey’ changed Nani’s career
After ‘Ashta Chamma,’ Nani steadily found his space with films such as ‘Ala Modalaindi’ and ‘Pilla Zamindar.’ He then surprised audiences with the unusual Eega, directed by SS Rajamouli, where he played a character who returns as a housefly to seek revenge. His emotional side also came through strongly in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s ‘Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu.’ Films like ‘Bhale Bhale Magadivoy,’ ‘Ninnu Kori,’ ‘Middle Class Abbayi,’ and ‘Jersey’ further established his range. While his early success was closely linked to romantic and feel-good stories, Nani gradually moved towards darker and more challenging characters.
Nani’s ‘The Paradise’ builds buzz ahead of September release
The next important chapter in Nani’s career is ‘The Paradise,’ which reunites him with ‘Dasara’ director Srikanth Odela. The film has generated strong buzz around Nani’s rugged new look and intense character. The makers have been working on the project for an extended period, with production and post-production taking time to achieve the intended scale. The film is now scheduled to release in theatres on September 24, 2026, following earlier changes to its release plans.‘The Paradise’ features Nani alongside Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu, Raghav Juyal and others, with Anirudh Ravichander composing the music. The period action drama is set in the slums of Secunderabad and is expected to present Nani in a completely intense avatar. With the teaser and songs adding to the excitement, the film is currently one of the biggest talking points around the actor as he enters his 19th year in cinema.
