Mohan Babu

Manchu Bhakthavatsalam Naidu, known popularly as Mohan Babu, is an Indian actor and producer, known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema. An alumnus of the Madras Film Institute, Mohan Babu has acted in more than five hundred feature films in lead, supporting and a variety of roles.[2][3][4]

Mohan Babu
Mohan Babu at SVET Tirupati in 2014
Born
Manchu Bhakthavatsalam Naidu[1]

(1952-03-19) 19 March 1952
Modhugulapalem, Chittoor, Madras State, India (present-day Andhra Pradesh)
Alma materMadras Film Institute
YMCA College of Physical Education
Years active1975–present
Spouse(s)Manchu Vidya Devi (late)
Manchu Nirmala Devi
ChildrenManchu Lakshmi
Manchu Vishnu
Manchu Manoj
AwardsPadma Shri (2007)
WebsiteMohan Babu

In 1995, he received Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his work in the multi-starrer Pedarayudu, which also starred Rajinikanth in a pivotal role.[5] In 2007, he received the CineMAA Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Yamadonga.[6] Mohan Babu was honored at the University of California, Berkeley for his contribution to the field of cinema and education.[7] He is the co-owner of production companies such as Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures, 24 Frames Factory and Manchu Entertainment.[8] In 2016, he garnered the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South.[9] In 2017, he received the "Special Appreciation Award" for completing "forty years in cinema" at the 6th South Indian International Movie Awards.[10]

A former Physical Education Instructor, Mohan Babu is a noted educationalist, and operates Sri Vidya Niketan Educational Institutions, and is the founder of Sree Vidyanikethan Educational Trust.[11] In the year 2007, he received the Padma Shri for his contribution to the field of Arts and education.[12][13] He is a former Member of Parliament – Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh after being elected in the year 1995.[14] He was also elected a Deputy into the International Parliament for Safety and Peace, an intergovernmental organization based in Italy.[15] He is referred to in the media as Dialogue King, Collection King, Nataprapoorna, and Natavachaspathi.[16] [17][18]

He received critical reception for his antagonist roles in works such as Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974), Swargam Narakam (1975), Gorantha Deepam (1978), Sivaranjani (1978), Padaharella Vayasu (1978), Driver Ramudu (1979), Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980), Satyam Shivam (1981), Premabhishekam (1981), Chattaniki Kallu Levu (1981), Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu (1982), Grihalakshmi (1984), Adavi Donga (1985), Khaidi No.786 (1988), Gruhapravesam (1988), Janaki Ramudu (1988), Lankeshwarudu (1989), Kodama Simham (1990), Kondaveeti Donga (1990), Annamayya (1997), and Sri Jagadguru Aadi Sankara (2013).[19] On the other hand, he starred in works such as Alludugaru (1990), Assembly Rowdy (1991) Allari Mogudu (1992), Major Chandrakanth (1993), Veedevadandi Babu (1991), Pandavulu Pandavulu Thummeda (2014), and Rowdy (2014).[20][21]

Early life

Mohan Babu was born to Manchu Narayanaswamy Naidu and Manchu Lakshmamma[22] in the Modhugulapalem village near the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. Mohan Babu grew up with his three younger brothers, Manchu Ranganatha Chowdary, Manchu Ramachandra Chowdary, Manchu Krishna and his sister Vijaya. After finishing primary schooling from Yerpedu village, he attended the S.P.J.N.M High School in Tirupati. As a child, Mohan Babu developed an interest in the stage and actively appeared in school plays from the age of 14. His father, a headmaster, was keen on his son pursuing an academic career. It was during this time that Mohan Babu moved to Chennai and acquired a degree in Physical education from the YMCA College of Physical Education.

Career

Mohan Babu began his career as a Physical education instructor at the YMCA college[23] of physical education for many years. Drawn to arts as a child and convinced that the film industry was the place meant for him, Mohan Babu started traveling to many studios based in Chennai in search of opportunities. Finally, in the year 1969, he received an opportunity to work with director Lakshmi Deepak as an apprentice, marking his entry into the film industry. He spent many years behind the camera until his thirst for acting and expression brought him on the screen with the 1974 films Kannavari Kalalu and Alluri Seetha Rama Raju as an actor.

During this time, Mohan Babu was introduced to Dasari Narayana Rao who was then a script writer in Tollywood. This would pan out to become the most significant event of his career. Mohan Babu's first major breakthrough as an actor came with the 1975 film Swargam Narakam, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. Dasari cast him as a villain in the movie and went on to achieve great success. It was after this movie that his birth name Bakthavatsalam Naidu was changed to Mohan Babu. After appearing in many films as a comedy-villain, he proceeded to star as the leading actor in Khaidi Kalidasu, Ketugadu, Gruhapravesham, Assembly Rowdy, Allari mogudu and many more. After receiving success in Telugu Cinema, Mohan Babu as a lover of arts was also drawn to the happenings of Tamil Cinema. After being initiated into the Tamil Film Industry by Sivaji Ganesan, he went on to appear in over 20 Tamil films as in Mohan Babu filmographywith a multitude of roles to his credit.[24]

Initial films

Starting out in the late 70s and early 80s, Mohan Babu quickly established himself as the finest actor of his generation. In his initial films, he's no different from many of his contemporaries. It is a known fact that late veteran director Dasari Narayana Rao noticed something unique about him and professed that Mohan Babu had a fire to succeed in his eyes. He was given a negative role in the film Swargam Narakam, where he played a rich kid and Mohan Babu's career kicked off. He portrayed villain roles alongside the legendary actors of Telugu cinema such as NTR, ANR, etc. He started to appear in more villainous roles and it was in the 1980s people realized something unique about Mohan Babu. Once established in Tollywood, he became the goody for playing the hero of numerous films.

Big break

A shift in Mohan Babu's career took place in 1978 with Sivaranjani, a blockbuster hit at the box office. The movie heralded the 'villain' and also came out with many of the mannerisms. He had an outstanding mentor in the form of Dasari Narayana Rao, who guided him in the right direction and gave him the initial foundation substratum he required to do well. Mohan Babu followed this success by portraying a variety of roles in his next films such as Simha Garjana (1978),[25] Simha Baludu (1978), Ramakrishnulu (1978), Padaharella Vayasu (1978), Nayudu Bava (1978), Shokilla Rayudu (1979) and Ramude Ravanudaithe (1979). His roles in Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu (1982), Billa Ranga (1978), Dharma Poratam (1983),[26] Padmavyooham (1973), Bhale Ramudu (1984) and Sanchalanam (1985), showed a diverse range, despite often playing the villain.

Later roles

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Mohan Babu achieved moderate success in such films as Trilok Sundari (1980), Sita Ramulu (1980), Taxi Driver (1981), Sawaal (1982), Pralaya Garjana (1983), Seethamma Pelli (1984), Tirugubotu (1985), Viswanatha Nayakudu (1987), Atmakatha (1988), Black Tiger (1989) and Prananiki Pranam (1990). Mohan Babu continued to take on a variety of comedic roles, starring in such films as Detective Narada (1992), Veedevadandi Babu (1997), Tappu Chesi Pappu Koodu (2002) and Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda (2013).

Star status

By 1990, Mohan Babu was a big topic in the film industry. Assembly Rowdy (1991) propelled him into the superstar status. He always analyzes himself and focuses on his strengths to invent himself, which allowed his stardom to further rise. Films such as Alludugaru (1990) and Assembly Rowdy (1991) from the mid 1990s onwards projected him as a dialogue king, who could say difficult dialogues perfectly, while Mohan Babu defined his targeted audience by playing a variety of roles in films such as Rowdy Gari Pellam (1991), Allari Mogudu (1992) and Pedarayudu (1995), which promoted him as the collection king in the film industry.

2000–present

He followed with Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary (2000), Adhipathi (2001), Shiva Shankar (2004), Political Rowdy (2005), Game (2006), Yamadonga (2007), Krishnarjuna (2008), Bujjigadu (2008), Raju Maharaju (2009), Saleem (2009), Jhummandi Naadam (2010), Rowdy (2014), Yamaleela 2 (2014) and Mama Manchu Alludu Kanchu (2015).

Family sentiment movie 'Gayatri' was released on 9 February 2018. Mohan Babu's high voltage performance in dual role is reviewed by the critics as major highlight of the movie. In this movie, which is Mohan Babu's own production, his Son Vishnu Manchu played the character of young Mohan Babu, and he fit the bill very well in enacting the histrionics of his father.

Mohan Babu did a special role in Mahanati, biographical film based on the life of actress Savitri released on 9 May 2018. He portrayed the role of legendary S. V. Ranga Rao in the movie .

His next film is Soorarai Pottru[27] , scheduled for release on April 9[28] , 2020, also in Telugu as Aakaasam Nee Haddhu Raa[29]

As of October 2020, he launched Son of India (2021 film) a Telugu film, directed by Diamond Ratnababu and produced by Vishnu Manchu. Mohan Babu has penned screenplay for the film.[30]

Though not announced officially, Mohan Babu declared that his next films would be ambitious mythological film 'Ravana Brahma'[31] and prestigious historical film 'Bhakta Kannappa',[32][33] which is one of the most awaited projects in the South Indian Cinema.

Producer

Mohan Babu continued his foray into the film industry by wanting to seize opportunities to experiment with his acting skills. In the year 1982, Mohan Babu established Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures. Named after his daughter Lakshmi Manchu, the movie house released Pratigna. The film was very successful and went on to be showcased in theaters for 100 days. Under Mohan Babu's guidance, the production company went on to deliver major blockbusters including Assembly Rowdy, Rowdygari Pellam, Alludu Garu, Major Chandrakanth, Pedarayudu, Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary and many more.

As an ardent admirer of N.T. Rama Rao, in the year 1993, Mohan Babu produced Major Chandrakanth, starring N.T. Rama Rao and himself . The movie was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, and went on to become a major blockbuster. The movie also celebrated its silver jubilee and stands as the last movie in N.T. Rama Rao's film career.[34]

Activism

Political views

Known for his long association with the late N.T. Rama Rao, Mohan Babu ardently campaigned for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), when it was led by N.T. Rama Rao and consequently joined the party in 1982. While he was making his political presence felt, Mohan Babu received a nomination for Rajya Sabha as a member of parliament representing Andhra Pradesh in the year 1995. During his six-year tenure with the Rajya Sabha, Mohan Babu undertook various projects to develop the Chittoor district including laying roads, providing clean water, developing sanitation and hygiene.

While serving his tenure in the Rajya Sabha,[35] he was also a member of the Committee on Human Resource Development from 1996 to 1997, the committee on Urban and Rural Development and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. As part of the Social Forestry programme, he took charge of extensive sapling plantation in scores of villages with the help of villagers and the Vana Samrakshana Samithis. He also initiated programmes on health, nutrition and education on a large scale for the rural populace.

During the Ralayaseema drought, he toured to many villages extensively to address the plight of the agrarian community and offer solutions for disaster management including crop preservation. During these visits, he also worked towards tackling the shortage of drinking water in many villages.

After leaving the TDP, Mohan Babu continued with his career in the film industry. While in the midst of producing a movie titled Sri Ramuliah, he narrowly escaped a bomb blast which killed 23 people and injuring 35 others in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.[36]

Mohan Babu is also known to have actively participated in improving the living standards of many underprivileged artists in the South Indian Film Industry. Mohan Babu stayed away from politics after NTR's demise. He joined YSR Congress Party in 2019[37] and campaigned for Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy in becoming CM. Though not actively involved in political activities, he raises his voice against any injustice in the society. There are speculations that BJP has invited Mohan Babu to join the national party as he met PM Narendra Modi[38] along with his family in the beginning of 2020.

Humanitarian work

Due to severe drought, the Rayalaseema people and agrarian community were cut off from necessary food supplies. Due to the event, plenty of people suffered from starvation. During his tenure as a Rajya Sabha MP, Mohan Babu visited the drought hit region[39] and created some solutions to help the victims of famine.

Mohan Babu developed his love of acting and passed it along to his children, with three kids following his footsteps into the film and education sector and carrying on his legacy. His daughter Lakshmi Manchu was appointed as the brand ambassador of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan[40] by the Prime Minister of India. Manchu Vishnu and Manchu Manoj have undertaken many initiatives to improve the condition of underprivileged children who were flood victims in the past.

Contributions to education

Mohan Babu established the Sree Vidyanikethan Educational Trust in 1993. Today, Sree Vidyanikethan runs the Sree Vidyanikethan International School, Sree Vidyanikethan degree College, Sree Vidyanikethan Engineering College, Sree Vidyanikethan College of Pharmacy, Sree Vidyanikethan College of Nursing, The Sree Vidyanikethan College of Management and the Sree Vidyanikethan College for Post Graduation Studies.

Personal life

Mohan Babu was married to Vidya Devi with whom he has a son Manchu Vishnu and a daughter Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna – both actors in the film industry. After her death, he married her sister, Nirmala Devi,[41] with whom he has a son Manchu Manoj, also an actor.

Awards and nominations

Padma Shri

In 2007, he has been awarded Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to Art and Education.[42]

Filmfare Awards South

Mohan Babu won the Best Actor Award for his role in the movie Pedarayudu (1995), in which he portrayed a kind-hearted and disciplined village head who gives solutions and punishments to the wrong-doers. His role in Yamadonga won him the CineMAA Awards for Best Actor in 2008.

CineMAA Awards

Doctorate

In a career spanning four decades, the versatile actor has been nominated for numerous awards and has also won many awards. The renowned actor conferred an honorary doctorate at the 26th convocation of the Dr. MGR University[44] in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on 5 October 2017. He has bestowed the award for his notable contribution to the Telugu film industry. Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, who took additional charge of the governor of Tamil Nadu, presented the PhD degree to the actor. Mohan Babu, who created waves in the showbiz world with this matchless dialogue delivery, is one among few Telugu film actors who received the honorary doctorate.

Other honors

Dialogue Book

As he has completed 40 years in the film industry, the actor's popular dialogues have been compiled in a book, named "Dialogue Book",[47] was launched in the House of Commons, British Parliament, on 11 May 2016. This book launch event was hosted by Asian Lite, in association with Bob Blackman, Member of Parliament. This was the first time that a Telugu film personality got honoured in the House of Commons, British Parliament.

Viswa Nata Sarvabhouma

Mohan Babu was conferred the prestigious ‘Viswa Nata Sarvabhouma’[48][49] title at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad by Former Union Minister and filmmaker T. Subbarami Reddy. The ceremony, which was held on 17 January 2018, was organized by TSR Kakatiya Lalitha Kala Parishath. T Subbarami Reddy presented him a citation, shawl, and Saraswati Veena, and Bracelet Kankanam.

Filmography
Main article: Mohan Babu filmography

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