Mahesh Babu: Difference between revisions

{{pp-protected|reason=Persistent [[WP:Vandalism|vandalism]]|small=yes}}

{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

| native_name        = <!-- discouraged per WP:INDICSCRIPT -->

| birth_name        = Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 December 2018 |title=Mahesh Babu's bank accounts frozen |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/mahesh-babus-bank-accounts-frozen/article25844522.ece |access-date=2 December 2020 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1975|8|09}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mahesh-babus-40th-birthday-celebration-samantha-ram-sushanth-other-t-town-celebs-wish-642208 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920123740/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mahesh-babus-40th-birthday-celebration-samantha-ram-sushanth-other-t-town-celebs-wish-642208 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 September 2015 |title=Mahesh Babu's 40th Birthday Celebration: Samantha, Ram, Sushanth, Other T-Town Celebs Wish 'Srimanthudu' Star |date=20 September 2015 |access-date=5 January 2018}}</ref>

| birth_place        = [[Madras]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India

| parents            = [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]] (father)<br /> Indira Devi (mother)

| awards            = [[List of awards and nominations received by Mahesh Babu|Full list]]

'''Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu''' (born 9 August 1975) is an Indian actor, producer, media personality, and philanthropist who works mainly in [[Telugu cinema]]. He has appeared in more than 25 films, and won [[List of awards and nominations received by Mahesh Babu|several accolades]] including, eight [[Nandi Awards]], five [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare South Awards]], four [[South Indian International Movie Awards]], three [[CineMAA Awards]], and one [[1st IIFA Utsavam|IIFA Utsavam Award]]. One of the highest-paid Telugu film actors,<ref>{{Cite news |last=K. |first=Janani |date=25 April 2018 |title=Mahesh Babu, Prabhas, Allu Arjun: How much do Tollywood's highest-paid actors earn? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/salaries-of-telugu-top-actors-mahesh-babu-ram-charan-jr-ntr-prabhas-allu-arjun-1219752-2018-04-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520184110/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/salaries-of-telugu-top-actors-mahesh-babu-ram-charan-jr-ntr-prabhas-allu-arjun-1219752-2018-04-25 |archive-date=20 May 2018 |access-date=8 August 2020 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref> he also owns the production house [[G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment]].

The younger son of veteran Telugu actor [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]], Babu made his debut as a child artist in a cameo role in ''Needa'' (1979), at the age of four, and acted in eight other films as a child artist. He made his debut as a lead actor with ''[[Rajakumarudu]]'' (1999) which won him Nandi Award for Best Male Debut. Babu achieved his breakthrough with the supernatural drama ''[[Murari (film)|Murari]]'' (2001), and the action film ''[[Okkadu]]'' (2003). He went on to act in other commercially successful films such as ''[[Athadu]]'' (2005), ''[[Pokiri]]'' (2006), ''[[Dookudu]]'' (2011), ''[[Businessman (film)|Businessman]]'' (2012), ''[[Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu]]'' (2013), ''[[1: Nenokkadine]]'' (2014),  ''[[Srimanthudu]]'' (2015), ''[[Bharat Ane Nenu]]'' (2018), ''[[Maharshi (2019 film)|Maharshi]]'' (2019), ''[[Sarileru Neekevvaru]]'' (2020) and ''[[Sarkaru Vaari Paata]]'' (2022). ''[[Pokiri]]'' held the record of being the [[List of highest-grossing Telugu films|highest-grossing Telugu film]] while ''[[Sarileru Neekevvaru]]'', his highest grosser, collected over {{INR|2.6 billion}} at the [[box office]].<ref>{{cite news |date=7 July 2006 |title=Half Yearly report! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/half-yearly-report-news-telugu-kkfvjzgihiisi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808151141/http://www.sify.com/movies/half-yearly-report-news-telugu-kkfvjzgihiisi.html |archive-date=8 August 2015 |access-date=8 August 2015 |work=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=29 February 2020 |title=Sarileru Neekevvaru: Mahesh Babu celebrates 50 Days at box office |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/southern_cinema/sarileru-neekevvaru-mahesh-babu-celebrates-50-days-box-office-1502861238.html |access-date=3 September 2020 |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Referred to in the media as the [[Prince]] of Tollywood, he is one of the most popular and influential actors of Telugu cinema,<ref>{{cite news |title=Happy Birthday Mahesh Babu 10 reasons why he is called the Prince Of Telugu cinema |url=http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/happy-birthday-mahesh-babu-10-reasons-why-he-is-called-the-prince-of-tollywood-telugu-cinema-news-1470722622.html |work=catchnews.com |access-date=9 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810211208/http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/happy-birthday-mahesh-babu-10-reasons-why-he-is-called-the-prince-of-tollywood-telugu-cinema-news-1470722622.html |archive-date=10 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mahesh Babu: When heroes get real |url=http://www.forbesindia.com/article/2015-celebrity-100/mahesh-babu-when-heroes-get-real/41737/1.html |website=forbesindia.com |access-date=18 December 2015}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and is described as the superstar of Telugu cinema by his fans.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mahesh Babu turns 42 and fans break the Internet to wish him well |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahesh-babu-turns-42-and-fans-break-the-internet-to-wish-him/articleshow/59988625.cms |date=9 August 2017 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603010605/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahesh-babu-turns-42-and-fans-break-the-internet-to-wish-him/articleshow/59988625.cms |archive-date=3 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to being an actor, he is a humanitarian and philanthropist – he runs a charitable trust and non-profit organisation, Heal-a-Child.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahesh Babu |url=https://www.heal-a-child.org/mahesh-babu/ |website=Heal-a-Child |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206111849/http://www.heal-a-child.org/mahesh-babu/ |archive-date=6 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> He is also associated with [[Rainbow Hospitals]] as their goodwill ambassador.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rainbow Hospital announces superstar Mahesh Babu as goodwill ambassador |url=https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-sector-pharma-healthcare/rainbow-hospital-announces-superstar-mahesh-babu-as-goodwill-ambassador-115062500436_1.html |website=India Infoline |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204212357/https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-sector-pharma-healthcare/rainbow-hospital-announces-superstar-mahesh-babu-as-goodwill-ambassador-115062500436_1.html |archive-date=4 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> He plunged into the film exhibition business along with Narayandas Narang of Asian Group with the inauguration of the seven-screen superplex at Gachibowli AMB Cinemas.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/asian-group-and-mahesh-babu-s-7-screen-superplex-amb-cinemas-opens-hyd-92668 |work=thenewsminute.com |title=Asian Group and Mahesh Babu's 7-screen superplex 'AMB Cinemas' opens in Hyd |access-date=1 June 2020}}</ref>

== Early life and family ==

Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu was born on 9 August 1975 in a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] family in [[Chennai|Madras]] (now Chennai), [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]].{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=7}} He is the fourth of the five children of Telugu actor [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]] and Indira, after [[Ramesh Babu]], Padmavathi, and [[Manjula Ghattamaneni|Manjula]] and before Priyadarshini. Their family hails from [[Burripalem]] in [[Guntur district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jonathan |first=P. Samuel |date=13 March 2016 |title=At Burripalem, Namratha hogs the limelight |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/at-burripalem-namratha-hogs-the-limelight/article8367715.ece |access-date=12 March 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Babu spent his childhood mostly in [[Chennai|Madras]] under the care of his maternal grandmother Durgamma and the rest of his family.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/maheshbabu-bereaved-telugu-event-12908.html |title=Mahesh Babu bereaved |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=6 August 2007 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706070732/http://www.indiaglitz.com/maheshbabu-bereaved-telugu-event-12908.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Since Krishna was busy with his film commitments, Ramesh Babu used to look after Mahesh Babu's academic performance.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=7}} Along with his siblings, Babu used to play cricket regularly at the [[Golden Beach, Chennai|VGP Golden beach]] in Madras. To spend time with him, Krishna used to make sure that his films' shoots would be conducted at the [[VGP Universal Kingdom]] during the weekends.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=7}}

Krishna also made sure that none of his children would reveal his name during their schooling to ensure a peaceful environment.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=7}} He was educated at [[St. Bede's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School]], [[Chennai]] where actor [[Karthi]] was his schoolmate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/i-am-in-love-with-hyderabad-news-telugu-mdtmrXbeibbsi.html |title=I am in love with Hyderabad |publisher=Sify |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706070908/http://www.sify.com/movies/i-am-in-love-with-hyderabad-news-telugu-mdtmrXbeibbsi.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/i-can-never-call-suriya-a-competition-karthi-477539.html |title=I can never call Suriya a competition: Karthi |work=CNN-IBN |date=25 May 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706070612/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/i-can-never-call-suriya-a-competition-karthi-477539.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Babu in an interview said that actor [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] and he have been longtime close friends and studied at the same college,<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahesh Babu recalls his project with his friend Vijay |website=India Today |date=14 April 2017 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/spyder-mahesh-babu-ilayathalapathy-vijay-ar-murugadoss-971426-2017-04-14 |access-date=23 July 2021}}</ref> before establishing themselves in their respective film industries.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150806/entertainment-kollywood/article/chennai-has-special-place-my-heart-mahesh-babu |title=Chennai has special place in my heart: Mahesh Babu |date=6 August 2015 |work=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=9 August 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809184648/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150806/entertainment-kollywood/article/chennai-has-special-place-my-heart-mahesh-babu |archive-date=9 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Babu was an above average student. He obtained a bachelor's degree in commerce from the [[Loyola College, Chennai|Loyola College]], [[Chennai]].{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=9}} After graduating, he met with director L.&nbsp;Satyanand in [[Vishakhapatnam]] for further training in acting which went on for three to four months.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=9}} Being unable to read and write Telugu, he used to memorise the dialogues given by his directors during the [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbing]] phase of his films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-08-06/Mahesh-Babus-confession-shocks-fans-168212 |title=Mahesh Babu's confession shocks fans |work=The Hans India |date=6 August 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919055209/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-08-06/Mahesh-Babus-confession-shocks-fans-168212 |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref>

At the age of four, Babu visited the sets of the Telugu film ''Needa'' (1979) where its director [[Dasari Narayana Rao]] shot a few sequences of his as a part of the narrative in the presence of the former's brother Ramesh. ''Needa'' marked his debut as a child actor.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=8}} During the shoot of ''Poratam'' (1983) at [[Vauhini Studios]], after watching Babu on the sets, director [[Kodi Ramakrishna]] suggested to Krishna that he cast Babu in the role of the protagonist's brother. Initially terrified, Babu agreed to act in the film after being persuaded by the film's crew.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=8}} He went on to act as a child artist in the films ''[[Sankharavam (1987 film)|Shankharavam]]'' (1987), ''[[Bazaar Rowdy]]'' (1988), ''[[Mugguru Kodukulu]]'' (1988) and ''[[Gudachari 116|Gudachari]] 117'' (1989). He played a dual role in the film ''[[Koduku Diddina Kapuram]]'' (1989). Babu then appeared in ''[[Balachandrudu|Bala Chandrudu]]'' (1990), and ''[[Anna Thammudu (1990 film)|Anna Thammudu]]'' (1990). Later, he continued his college studies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.suryaa.com/main/features/Article.asp?Category=4&SubCategory=1&ContentId=159355 |title=వెండి తెర ఏలిన బాటనటులు |trans-title=Child actors who ruled the silver screen |work=[[Suryaa (newspaper)|Suryaa]] |language=te |date=14 November 2013 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706084452/http://www.suryaa.com/main/features/Article.asp?Category=4&SubCategory=1&ContentId=159355 |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1999, Babu made his debut as a lead actor with the film ''[[Raja Kumarudu]]'', directed by [[K. Raghavendra Rao]] and co-starring [[Priety Zinta]]. The film was commercially successful, and people began referring to him with the title Prince.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mahesh-Babu-to-make-Bollywood-debut/articleshow/10215514.cms |title=Mahesh Babu to make Bollywood debut |last=M. Shah |first=Kunal |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706084812/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mahesh-Babu-to-make-Bollywood-debut/articleshow/10215514.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> The film had a 50-day run in 80 centres and a 100-day run in 44 centres. ''Raja Kumarudu'' collected a share of {{INR}}10.51 Crores from Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i28.tinypic.com/95y5br.jpg |title=Rajakumarudu shares |website=tinypic.com |access-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209022821/http://i28.tinypic.com/95y5br.jpg |archive-date=9 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was dubbed in Hindi as ''Prince No. 1'' and in Tamil as ''Kaadhal Vennila''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.easterneye.biz/mahesh-babu-21-fun-facts-about-the-telugu-megastar/|title=Mahesh Babu: 21 fun facts about the Telugu megastar|date=6 August 2020|website=[[Eastern Eye]]}}</ref> The film was again dubbed and released theatrically in Tamil during January 2017 as ''Ivan Oru Thunichalkaran''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=இவண் ஒரு துணிச்சல்காரன் |trans-title=Ivan is a brave man |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/cinema/review/2017/01/28152847/1064763/Ivan-Oru-ThunichalKaran.vpf |date=28 January 2017 |website=Maalaimalar.com |language=ta |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> He received the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut.<ref name="six nandi">{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/maheshbabu-nandiawards.html |title=Mahesh Babu Nandi awards list |publisher=[[Idlebrain.com]] |date=14 November 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085030/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/maheshbabu-nandiawards.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He starred in two films the following year&nbsp;– ''[[Yuvaraju (2000 film)|Yuvaraju]]'' and ''[[Vamsi (film)|Vamsi]]''. Following their poor performance at the box office, Babu starred in [[Krishna Vamsi]]{{'s}} ''[[Murari (film)|Murari]]'' the next year. He called ''Murari'' an important film in his career and the role he played in it one of his favourites.<ref name="MB Int 2005">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/06/03/stories/2005060302010100.htm |title=His father's son |last=Chowdary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=3 June 2005 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085335/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/06/03/stories/2005060302010100.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Murari-was-a-crucial-film-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/17626453.cms |title=Murari was a crucial film: Mahesh Babu |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=The Times of India |date=15 December 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085426/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Murari-was-a-crucial-film-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/17626453.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Murari'' was a commercial success and earned him the [[Nandi Special Jury Award]].<ref name="six nandi" /> Though his 2002 releases ''[[Takkari Donga]]'' and ''[[Bobby (2002 film)|Bobby]]'' performed poorly at the box office, Babu received his second Nandi Special Jury Award for his performance in the former.<ref name="six nandi" />

Babu had two film releases in 2003, the first one being [[Gunasekhar]]{{'s}} ''[[Okkadu]]'' co-starring [[Bhumika Chawla]], which went on to become the highest grossing Telugu film of the year collecting {{INR}}23 crores at the box office.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/07/24/stories/2003072400060202.htm |title=Telugu mid-year report |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=24 July 2003 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085655/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/07/24/stories/2003072400060202.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He won his first [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Telugu]] for his performance in the film.<ref name="Okkadu FF">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/04/stories/2004060411680300.htm |title=Pithamagan bags six Filmfare awards |date=4 June 2004 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819171928/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/04/stories/2004060411680300.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=19 August 2014}}</ref> The other release was [[Teja (film director)|Teja]]{{'s}} ''[[Nijam]]'' co-starring [[Rakshita]]. The film was noted for introducing Dolby EX surround system in Telugu cinema.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/05/12/stories/2003051201400301.htm |title=Promoting talent |last=Kumar |first=G. Manjula |date=4 June 2004 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706090523/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/05/12/stories/2003051201400301.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Though the film was a commercial failure,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140925/entertainment-tollywood/article/can-ram-charan-break-jinx |title=Can Ram Charan break the jinx? |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=26 September 2014 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706090733/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140925/entertainment-tollywood/article/can-ram-charan-break-jinx |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Babu received praise from the critics for his performance in the film, with Vijayalaxmi of [[Rediff.com]] calling him the only reason to watch the film's second half which she termed a routine tale of vendetta.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/26nijjam.htm |title=Nijam is a run of the mill tale |author=Vijayalaxmi |work=Rediff.com |date=26 May 2003 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706090913/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/26nijjam.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He won his first [[Nandi Award for Best Actor|Nandi Best Actor Award]] for his performance in the film.<ref name="Nijam Nandi">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/30/stories/2004093002591900.htm |title=Nandi awards announced |work=The Hindu |date=30 September 2004 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706091247/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/30/stories/2004093002591900.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

Manjula produced his next film, ''[[Naani]]'', directed by [[S. J. Surya]] co-starring [[Amisha Patel]]. While its simultaneously shot Tamil version ''[[New (film)|New]]'' featuring a different cast was commercially successful, ''Naani'' flopped at the box office.<ref name="MB Int 2005" /> He received the Nandi Special Jury Award for his performance in his next film, ''[[Arjun (2004 film)|Arjun]]'', directed by Gunasekhar and produced by Ramesh.<ref name="Arjun Nandi">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/10/stories/2005101017920100.htm |title='Anand' walks away with six Nandi awards |date=10 October 2005 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706091504/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/10/stories/2005101017920100.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> The failure of ''Naani'' depressed both Babu and Manjula, who took a small break in [[Goa]] before resuming their other commitments.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=10}} He chose to act in [[Trivikram Srinivas]]{{'s}} ''[[Athadu]]'', co-starring [[Trisha Krishnan]], whose script had been approved back in 2002 before the production of ''Naani'' and ''Arjun'' had begun.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/chitchat-maheshbabu1.html |title=Chitchat with Mahesh Babu |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=29 June 2005 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706091711/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/chitchat-maheshbabu1.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> ''[[Athadu]]''  became one of the highest-grossing films of the year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123002160100.htm |title=Dubbed films rule yet again |last=Narasimham |first=M. L. |date=30 December 2005 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706091816/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123002160100.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> The film was a commercially profitable venture for the producers and distributors.<ref>[http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/athadumintsmoney.html Athadu continues to mint money – Telugu cinema news] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306115454/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/athadumintsmoney.html |date= 6 March 2016 }}. Idlebrain.com. Retrieved on 27 July 2016.</ref> The film benefited Babu's career as he won the Nandi Best Actor Award for his performance in the role of a hired assassin.<ref name="Athadu Nandi">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nandi-awards-for-2005-announced/article3047107.ece |title=Nandi awards for 2005 announced |newspaper=The Hindu |date=12 November 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706092137/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nandi-awards-for-2005-announced/article3047107.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> ''[[Athadu]]'' collected a share of {{INR}}22 crores at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bestoftheyear.in/movie/athadu/ |title=Athadu – Box Office Collection |access-date=10 August 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412145450/https://bestoftheyear.in/movie/athadu/ |archive-date=12 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Idlebrain gave it a rating of 3.25/5 and mentioned Mahesh Babu is stylish and brilliant as professional killer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-athadu.html |title=Athadu review |publisher=idlebrain.com |date=10 August 2005 |access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref>

Babu collaborated with [[Puri Jagannadh]] in 2006 for the film ''[[Pokiri]]'', which was jointly produced by Jagannadh and Manjula.<ref name="Prince TH">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/the-prince-does-it-again/article3218139.ece |title=The 'Prince' does it again |last=Chowdary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=The Hindu |date=12 May 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706092735/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/the-prince-does-it-again/article3218139.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Made on a budget of {{INR}}100 million and shot within six months,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-in-sankranthi-race-news-news-lhvlLSjajbjsi.html |title=Mahesh in Sankranthi race |publisher=Sify |date=21 July 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706093007/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-in-sankranthi-race-news-news-lhvlLSjajbjsi.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> ''Pokiri'' became the highest grossing Telugu film of all time by the end of its run, and was screened at the [[7th IIFA Awards]] held in [[Dubai]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/half-yearly-report-news-telugu-kkfvjzgihiisi.html |title=Half Yearly report! |publisher=Sify |date=7 July 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706093459/http://www.sify.com/movies/half-yearly-report-news-telugu-kkfvjzgihiisi.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Babu received praise for his performance, with Y.&nbsp;Sunita Chowdary of ''[[The Hindu]]'' opining that "Mahesh's understated performance in ''[[Pokiri]]'' allows him effortlessly to reclaim the title of a star, overshadowing more questionable recent career choices".<ref name="Prince TH" /> He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for the second time.<ref name="Pokiri FF">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/32709.html |title=Prince Mahesh bags Filmfare award |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=31 July 2007 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706093655/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/32709.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

''[[Pokiri]]'' grossed {{INR}}67 crores at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tollywoodboxoffice.in/2013/10/pokiri-total-worldwide-collections.html |work=tollyboxoffice |title=Pokiri Total Collections |access-date=24 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324103601/http://www.tollywoodboxoffice.in/2013/10/pokiri-total-worldwide-collections.html |archive-date=24 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, his next film, ''[[Sainikudu]]'', co-starring Trisha, was released amid huge expectations but flopped at the box office.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/telugu-films-a-year-of-few-hits-and-many-flops/article3037223.ece |title=Telugu films: a year of few hits and many flops |last=Madhav |first=K. V. S. |newspaper=The Hindu |date=22 December 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706093826/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/telugu-films-a-year-of-few-hits-and-many-flops/article3037223.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

The following year saw Babu acting in the film ''[[Athidhi (2007 film)|Athidhi]]'', co-starring [[Amrita Rao]] marking her Telugu debut. The film was produced by Mahesh Babu's's brother Ramesh.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/four-frames/article2242185.ece |title=Four Frames |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=17 March 2007 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706094017/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/four-frames/article2242185.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> UTV Motion Pictures acquired the film's distribution rights for {{INR}}185 million, which became its first Telugu film venture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=5016 |title=UTV eyes Telegu films; signs Mahesh Babu |publisher=Business of Cinema |date=3 September 2007 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012143521/http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=5016 |archive-date=12 October 2008 |url-status=unfit}}</ref> In 2008, Babu provided voice-over for the film ''[[Jalsa]]'' directed by Trivikram Srinivas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2008/jalsa-commentary-mahesh-babu-180308.html |title=Jalsa begins with Mahesh Babu's voice-over |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=18 March 2008 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706102205/http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2008/jalsa-commentary-mahesh-babu-180308.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

After ''Athidhi''{{'s}} release, Babu took a break from films for seven months; two months later, he signed ''[[Khaleja]]'', but the break was unintentionally extended for two years due to several delays. During this time, Babu's grandmother and his wife Namrata's parents died. Krishna was worried about Babu's career as the film's shoot was delayed for so long.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-Exclusive-Interview/articleshow/15077102.cms |title=Mahesh Babu Exclusive Interview |last=Francis |first=Christina |work=The Times of India |date=22 July 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706094609/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-Exclusive-Interview/articleshow/15077102.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Upon release, ''Khaleja'' received mixed reviews from critics and was a commercial failure in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know-/Khaleja-had-no-producer/articleshow/35558688.cms |title=Khaleja had no producer |work=The Times of India |date=23 May 2014 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706094717/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know-/Khaleja-had-no-producer/articleshow/35558688.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, it managed to perform well at the overseas box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Directors-dictate-overseas-market/articleshow/17452862.cms |title=Directors dictate overseas market |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=The Times of India |date=2 December 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706094803/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Directors-dictate-overseas-market/articleshow/17452862.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>[[Rediff]] gave a 3 out of 5 rating and noted "The duo of Mahesh-Trivikram delivers a product that is watchable, entertaining with good humour, couple of well-orchestrated action sequences and songs and with a bit to take home as well. It's Mahesh's show all the way, much to the delight of his fans. Mahesh is the soul of the movie, be it his dialogue delivery, his action, his dances or emotions, he is effortless.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/oct/07/south-mahesh-khaleja-review.htm |title=Mahesh Khaleja: Mahesh Babu's show all the way |publisher=Movies.rediff.com |date=7 October 2010 |access-date=4 August 2012}}</ref> The film is considered one of the "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade" by ''[[Film Companion]]''.<ref name="filmcompanion.in">{{Cite web |title=25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade {{!}} Film Companion |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-decades/pages/telugu.html |access-date=26 June 2021 |website=www.filmcompanion.in |language=en}}</ref>

In 2011, Babu collaborated with [[Srinu Vaitla]] for the film ''[[Dookudu]]'', which was inspired in part by the 2003 German [[tragicomedy]] film ''[[Good Bye, Lenin!]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-director-seenu-vaitla-on-dookudu/20111004.htm |title=I knew Dookudu would be a blockbuster |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |work=Rediff.com |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227074407/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-director-seenu-vaitla-on-dookudu/20111004.htm |archive-date=27 December 2014}}</ref> Co-starring [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]], the film received positive reviews upon release and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. ''[[Dookudu]]'' had the largest opening for a [[Telugu cinema|Telugu film]], and collected a share of {{INR}}101.1 million and a gross of {{INR}}125.8 million on the first day of its release.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/71379.html |title=Dookudu's first day gross: Rs. 12.58 cr. |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=25 September 2011 |website=indiaglitz.com |access-date=19 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228070219/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/71379.html |archive-date=28 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' called ''[[Dookudu]]'' the "biggest hit you've never heard of".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/dookudu-daring-dashing-showtimes-reviews-prince-mahesh-samantha.html |title='Dookudu,' the biggest hit you've never heard of |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=29 September 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228130035/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/dookudu-daring-dashing-showtimes-reviews-prince-mahesh-samantha.html |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> For his performance in the film, Babu won the [[Nandi Award for Best Actor|Best Actor Award]] at the 2012 [[Nandi Awards]] ceremony.<ref name="Dookudu Nandi">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nandi-awards-mahesh-babu-best-actor/article3995830.ece |title=Nandi awards: Mahesh Babu best actor |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 October 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228120745/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nandi-awards-mahesh-babu-best-actor/article3995830.ece |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> He also won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu at the [[59th Filmfare Awards South]] and [[1st South Indian International Movie Awards]] ceremonies.<ref name="Dookudu FF">{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/59th-south-filmfare-awards-2011-telugu-winners-list-097229.html |title=59th South Filmfare Awards 2011 – Telugu winners list |author=Shekhar |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=9 July 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228121819/http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/59th-south-filmfare-awards-2011-telugu-winners-list-097229.html |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Dookudu SIIMA">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/the-south-shines/article3589711.ece |title=The South Shines |last=Manigandan |first=K. R. |newspaper=The Hindu |date=1 July 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228122750/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/the-south-shines/article3589711.ece |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> After the film's gross crossed the {{INR}}1 billion mark, Income Tax Department officials conducted a raid on Babu's Jubilee Hills residence as he was rumoured to be getting a remuneration of more than {{INR}}1.2 million for his next projects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/it-raids-on-mahesh-babu-news-news-lmjqaqiehebsi.html |title=IT raids on Mahesh Babu |publisher=Sify |date=9 December 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228131635/http://www.sify.com/movies/it-raids-on-mahesh-babu-news-news-lmjqaqiehebsi.html |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> The film collected a distributor share of {{INR}}574&nbsp;million in its lifetime and grossed more than {{INR}}1&nbsp;billion in its lifetime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telugu360.com/tag/dookudu/ |title=Dookudu Worldwide Closing Collections |website=telugu360.com |access-date=4 June 2020}}</ref> Suresh Kavirayani of ''[[The Times of India]]'' rated it 4 out of 5 and wrote "''Dookudu'' is a typical Srinu Vytla film with a generous sprinkling of comedy. His narrative manages to keep the audience engaged until the end of the movie. This movie comes as a blessing for not just Mahesh Babu, but also for Tollywood, which is badly in need of a hit, after the recent spate of box office debacles. Srinu Vytla and Mahesh Babu have come out with a winner in ''Dookudu''".<ref name="TOI Review">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Dookudu/movie-review/10093005.cms |title=Dookudu movie review |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |newspaper=The Times of India |date=24 September 2011 |access-date=27 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227072651/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Dookudu/movie-review/10093005.cms |archive-date=27 December 2014}}</ref>

He later played the role of a mafia kingpin with a hidden personal agenda in the film ''[[Businessman (film)|Businessman]]'', co-starring [[Kajal Aggarwal]] and directed by Puri Jagannadh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/businessman-review-this-tamil-film-is-for-the-masses/309332-40.html |title='Businessman' Review: This Tamil film is for the masses |author=IANS |publisher=IBN Live |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222154516/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/businessman-review-this-tamil-film-is-for-the-masses/309332-40.html |archive-date=22 February 2015}}</ref> Upon the film's release, Babu received praise from the critics for his performance in the film, with Y.&nbsp;Sunita Chowdary of ''The Hindu'' writing, "The film has no frills, no vulgar wastage and the hero is practically in every frame; you hear only his voice, he looks good, sounds good, he also steals the comedian's job. Mahesh plays it straight.".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article2798529.ece |title=The Businessman: Back in form |last=Chowdary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 January 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222154328/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article2798529.ece |archive-date=22 February 2015}}</ref> It grossed approximately {{INR}}187.35 million and collected a share of {{INR}}137.8 million at the global box office on its first day creating an all-time record in terms of opening day collections.<ref name="Day 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/businessmans-first-day-gross-rs-187354000-telugu-news-76731 |title=Businessman's first day gross: Rs. 18,73,54,000 |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=16 January 2012 |website=indiaglitz.com |access-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225093924/http://www.indiaglitz.com/businessmans-first-day-gross-rs-187354000-telugu-news-76731 |archive-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Businessman (film)|Businessman]]''  became one of the highest grossing Telugu films of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Tollywoods-blockbuster-year/articleshow/17796046.cms |title=Tollywood's blockbuster year |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=The Times of India |date=28 December 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706141646/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Tollywoods-blockbuster-year/articleshow/17796046.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Businessman (film)|Businessman]]'' collected a share of {{INR}}41 crores at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Business Man'' – Total Collections |url=http://www.tollywoodboxoffice.in/2014/01/business-man-total-worldwide-collections.html |work=Tollywood Boxoffice |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216122518/http://www.tollywoodboxoffice.in/2014/01/business-man-total-worldwide-collections.html |archive-date=16 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> He received a nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu at both the [[60th Filmfare Awards South]] and the [[2nd South Indian International Movie Awards]] ceremonies.<ref name="TBM FF">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.filmfare.com/features/60th-idea-filmfare-awards-2013-south-nominations-3603-3.html |title=60th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 (South) Nominations |magazine=Filmfare |date=4 July 2013 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225043817/http://www.filmfare.com/features/60th-idea-filmfare-awards-2013-south-nominations-3603-3.html |archive-date=25 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="TBM SIIMA">{{cite web |url=http://m.indiaglitz.com/pawan-kalyan-the-most-voted-for-siima-awards-telugu-news-96877.html |title=Pawan Kalyan, The Most Voted Fir SIIMA Awards |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=27 August 2013 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617121834/http://m.indiaglitz.com/pawan-kalyan-the-most-voted-for-siima-awards-telugu-news-96877.html |archive-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> By then, Babu was reported to be the second highest-paid actor in South India after [[Rajinikanth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Mahesh-Babu-commands-an-eight-figure-pay-cheque/articleshow/11779741.cms |title=Mahesh Babu commands an eight figure pay cheque |work=The Times of India |date=6 February 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706142228/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Mahesh-Babu-commands-an-eight-figure-pay-cheque/articleshow/11779741.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

Babu then began filming for [[Srikanth Addala]]{{'s}} ''[[Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu]]'', whose script Babu had approved during the pre-production phase of ''[[Dookudu]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-mahesh-babu/20120206.htm |title=Mahesh Babu: Don't want to experiment for the next 5 years |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |work=Rediff.com |date=6 February 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706142922/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-mahesh-babu/20120206.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Co-starring [[Daggubati Venkatesh]] along with [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]] and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, ''Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu'' became the first Telugu [[All-star|multistarrer]] film to be produced in the last twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-venkatesh-on-seethamma-vakitlo-sirimalle-chettu/20130208.htm |title=Venkatesh: Seethamma Vakitlo... was a safe bet |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |work=Rediff.com |date=8 February 2013 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706143251/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-venkatesh-on-seethamma-vakitlo-sirimalle-chettu/20130208.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Released in January 2013, the film became one of the highest grossing Telugu films of the year and marked the completion of Babu's hat-trick of successful films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/top-worldwide-share-telugu-039yevadu039-039svsc039-039attarintiki-daredi039-039mirchi039-and-other-films-538981 |title=Top Worldwide Share (Telugu): 'Yevadu', 'SVSC', 'Attarintiki Daredi', 'Mirchi' and Other Films |last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |work=International Business Times India |date=16 February 2014 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110061927/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/top-worldwide-share-telugu-039yevadu039-039svsc039-039attarintiki-daredi039-039mirchi039-and-other-films-538981 |archive-date=10 January 2015}}</ref> Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of ''[[The Hindu]]'' called the film a "delightful family drama with its celebration of family bonds, love and marriage laced with laughter", and Addala "wants to leave his audience with a thought, wants them to reflect on their relationships and overlook skirmishes that can sour family bonds". Dundoo cited Guhan's cinematography as one of the film's highlights, and praised its performances.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/seethamma-vakitlo-sirimalle-chettu-watch-it-with-a-smile/article4301449.ece |title=Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu: Watch it with a smile |last=Devi Dundoo |first=Sangeetha |work=The Hindu |date=12 January 2013 |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726030959/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/seethamma-vakitlo-sirimalle-chettu-watch-it-with-a-smile/article4301449.ece |archive-date=26 July 2015}}</ref> He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu at the [[61st Filmfare Awards South]] ceremony and the [[3rd South Indian International Movie Awards]] ceremony.<ref name="SVSC FF">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Winners-list-61st-Idea-Filmfare-Awards-South/articleshow/38287405.cms |title=Winners list: 61st Idea Filmfare Awards (South) |work=The Times of India |date=13 July 2014 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125160859/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Winners-list-61st-Idea-Filmfare-Awards-South/articleshow/38287405.cms |archive-date=25 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="SVSC SIIMA">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/2014-SIIMA-award-winners-list/articleshow/42547641.cms |title=2014 SIIMA award winners list |newspaper=The Times of India |date=15 September 2014 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125161032/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/2014-SIIMA-award-winners-list/articleshow/42547641.cms |archive-date=25 January 2015}}</ref> He provided voice-over for Srinu Vaitla's ''[[Baadshah (2013 film)|Baadshah]]'' the same year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2013/mahesh-babu-voice-over-junior-ntr-baadshah-105862.html |title=Mahesh Babu giving voice over for Junior NTR's Baadshah |author=Shekhar |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=21 March 2013 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707020941/http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2013/mahesh-babu-voice-over-junior-ntr-baadshah-105862.html |archive-date=7 July 2015}}</ref> ''[[Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu]]'' collected a distributor share of ₹512 million and was the second-highest-grossing Telugu film of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telugu360.com/tag/seethamma-vakitlo-sirimalle-chettu/ |title=svsc total collections |access-date=4 June 2020}}</ref>

Babu had two releases in 2014, the first one being [[Sukumar (director)|Sukumar]]{{'s}} ''[[1: Nenokkadine]]'', an action thriller focusing on a celebrity suffering from hallucinations related to the murder of his parents and the discovery of a special variety of rice. [[Kriti Sanon]] played the female lead in this film, marking her acting debut.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-to-romance-Kriti-Sanon/articleshow/16683552.cms |title=Mahesh Babu to romance Kriti Sanon |last=A. S. |first=Sashidhar |work=The Times of India |date=5 October 2012 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706150510/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-to-romance-Kriti-Sanon/articleshow/16683552.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Made on a budget of around {{INR}}70 crores, ''[[1: Nenokkadine]]'' was released amid huge expectations, but received mixed reviews from the critics, turning out to be a box office bomb by incurring a loss of around {{INR}}26–27 crores.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/0391-nenokkadine039-box-office-collection-mahesh-babu-starrer-is-a-big-disaster-538409 |title='1 Nenokkadine' Box Office Collection: Mahesh Babu Starrer is a Big Disaster |last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |work=International Business Times India |date=12 February 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706150704/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/0391-nenokkadine039-box-office-collection-mahesh-babu-starrer-is-a-big-disaster-538409 |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> However, Babu's performance received praise, with critics calling it one of his best performances.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/1-nenokkadine-review-telugu-pcmbhTjiijgch.html |title=Review : 1 Nenokkadine |publisher=Sify |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706150855/http://www.sify.com/movies/1-nenokkadine-review-telugu-pcmbhTjiijgch.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/1nenokkadine-games-the-mind-can-play/article5562253.ece |title=1-Nenokkadine: Games the mind can play |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |newspaper=The Hindu |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706151148/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/1nenokkadine-games-the-mind-can-play/article5562253.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/One-Nenokkadine-Telugu-movie-review-highlights/articleshow/28631278.cms |title=One&nbsp;– Nenokkadine Telugu movie review highlights |last=A. S. |first=Sashidhar |work=The Times of India |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706151453/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/One-Nenokkadine-Telugu-movie-review-highlights/articleshow/28631278.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He also earned a nomination for the Best Actor – Telugu at the 4th South Indian International Movie Awards.<ref name="1 NN SIIMA">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-awards-2015-nominations-manam-race-gurram-top-telugu-movie-list-636052 |title=SIIMA Awards 2015 Nominations: 'Manam', 'Race Gurram' Top Telugu Movie List |last=H. Hooli |first=Shekhar |work=International Business Times India |date=16 June 2015 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707020237/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-awards-2015-nominations-manam-race-gurram-top-telugu-movie-list-636052 |archive-date=7 July 2015}}</ref> Grossing over $1.32 million,''[[1: Nenokkadine]]''  became the fourth-highest-grossing Telugu film in history at the United States box office at that time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/prince-turns-king-rules-over-half-the-market-69355.html |title=prince turns king |work=Greatandhra |date=30 September 2015 |access-date=19 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151552/https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/prince-turns-king-rules-over-half-the-market-69355.html |archive-date=19 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "How often do we get to watch a Telugu film where the audience, along with the protagonist and supporting characters, is also required to think and distinguish between events unfolding in real and imaginary spaces?" and called ''1&nbsp;Nenokkadine'' a "visually stunning" film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/1nenokkadine-games-the-mind-can-play/article5562253.ece |title=1-Nenokkadine: Games the mind can play |last=Devi Dundoo |first=Sangeetha |work=The Hindu |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=3 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706151139/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/1nenokkadine-games-the-mind-can-play/article5562253.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> The film earned a distributor share of about {{INR}}289 million, on a budget of {{INR}}700 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |date=28 January 2014 |title='1 Nenokkadine' Box Office Collection: Mahesh Babu Starrer Earns over ₹28 Crore Worldwide Share |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/0391-nenokkadine039-box-office-collection-mahesh-babu-starrer-earns-over-28-crore-worldwide-share-536174 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129102440/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/0391-nenokkadine039-box-office-collection-mahesh-babu-starrer-earns-over-28-crore-worldwide-share-536174 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |access-date=29 January 2016 |website=[[International Business Times]] India}}</ref> The film is considered one of the "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade" by ''[[Film Companion]]''.<ref name="filmcompanion.in" /> The other release, ''[[Aagadu]]'', directed by Srinu Vaitla and co-starring [[Tamannaah]], flopped at the box office,<ref name="Aagadu">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Aagadu-was-a-failure-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/45326005.cms |title=Aagadu was a failure: Mahesh Babu |last=A. S. |first=Sashidhar |work=The Times of India |date=30 November 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707020422/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Aagadu-was-a-failure-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/45326005.cms |archive-date=7 July 2015}}</ref> even though it had a gross of {{INR}}60 crores. Karthik Pasupulate of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and called ''Aagadu'' "Dookudu 2.0" in operating system parlance. Pasupulate added that it seems more like a remake of ''Dookudu'' with a "much louder Mahesh Babu, more banal jokes, and a few superficial twists in the screenplay", and that the end product is "more slapstick than funny".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Aagadu/movie-review/42891219.cms |title=Aagadu Movie Review |last=Pasupulate |first=Karthik |date=19 September 2014 |website=The Times of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924140413/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/aagadu/movie-review/42891219.cms |archive-date=24 September 2014 |access-date=13 October 2014}} {{rating|3|5}}</ref>

Babu collaborated with [[Koratala Siva]] for the action drama film ''[[Srimanthudu]]'' co-starring [[Shruti Haasan]]. He co-produced the film under his newly formed banner [[G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment Pvt. Ltd]], marking his first film production venture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/mahesh-babu-ventures-into-film-production-with-srimanthudu-telugu-news-134020.html |title=Mahesh Babu ventures into film production with Srimanthudu |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=29 May 2015 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529155135/http://www.indiaglitz.com/mahesh-babu-ventures-into-film-production-with-srimanthudu-telugu-news-134020.html |archive-date=29 May 2015}}</ref> He opted to do so in order to control the film's budget, accepting a share in profits in lieu of remuneration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150722/entertainment-tollywood/article/namrata-house-producer |title=Namrata, the in-house producer |last=Reddy |first=Gayatri |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=23 July 2015 |access-date=23 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723144541/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150722/entertainment-tollywood/article/namrata-house-producer |archive-date=23 July 2015}}</ref> Released on 7 August 2015, ''Srimanthudu'' opened to positive reviews from critics,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/srimanthudu-starring-mahesh-babu-shruti-haasan-opens-to-positive-response/ |title='Srimanthudu' starring Shruti Haasan, Mahesh Babu opens to positive response |last=Bajwa |first=Dimpal |work=The Indian Express |date=7 August 2015 |access-date=7 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807164356/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/srimanthudu-starring-mahesh-babu-shruti-haasan-opens-to-positive-response/ |archive-date=7 August 2015}}</ref> was commercially successful, and he gained the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu at the [[63rd Filmfare Awards South]],<ref name="Srimanthudu FF">{{cite news |title=Winners: 63rd Britannia Filmfare Awards (South) |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Winners-63rd-Britannia-Filmfare-Awards-South/articleshow/52814105.cms |date=19 June 2016 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=19 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622213909/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Winners-63rd-Britannia-Filmfare-Awards-South/articleshow/52814105.cms |archive-date=22 June 2016}}</ref> marking his resurgence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-srimanthudu-has-edge-over-kick-2-baahubali-bahubali-645448 |title=Box Office Collection: 'Srimanthudu' Has Edge over 'Kick 2', 'Baahubali' (Bahubali) |last=H. Hooli |first=Shekhar |work=International Business Times India |date=4 September 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904151704/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-srimanthudu-has-edge-over-kick-2-baahubali-bahubali-645448 |archive-date=4 September 2015}}</ref> Sethumadhavan&nbsp;N. of ''[[Bangalore Mirror]]'' stated, ''[[Srimanthudu]]'' wouldn't have been as effective if it did not have Mahesh Babu who is at his charming best, adding that he "underplays the emotional scenes, making them a treat to watch".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/reviews/Movie-Review-Srimanthudu/articleshow/48395521.cms |title=Movie Review: Srimanthudu |last=N. |first=Sethumadhavan |work=Bangalore Mirror |date=7 August 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809145630/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/reviews/Movie-Review-Srimanthudu/articleshow/48395521.cms |archive-date=9 August 2015}}</ref>

The film was a commercial success, grossing nearly ₹2.0 billion globally on a budget of ₹400-700 million and becoming the second-highest grossing Telugu film of all time and the highest grossing Telugu-language-only film of the time. After the film's release, many actors, bureaucrats and politicians announced plans to develop backward villages and encouraged the adoption of villages in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161014061019/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2015-08-17/Mahesh-Babus-Srimanthudu-is-the-2nd-Highest-Grossing-Telugu-Film-of-2015/ The Hans India]. The Hans India (17 August 2015). Retrieved on 27 July 2017.</ref> Babu himself has adopted his native village, [[Burripalem]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-mahesh-babu-adopts-village-in-andhra-pradesh-launches-development-works-worth-rs-214-crore-2210399 |title=Mahesh Babu adopts village in Andhra Pradesh, launches development works worth Rs 2.14 crore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816014334/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-mahesh-babu-adopts-village-in-andhra-pradesh-launches-development-works-worth-rs-214-crore-2210399 |archive-date=16 August 2016}}</ref>

Babu acted in Srikanth Addala's film ''[[Brahmotsavam (film)|Brahmotsavam]]'' co-starring [[Kajal Aggarwal]], [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]] and [[Pranitha Subhash]]. Originally produced as a bi-lingual, the film would've marked Babu's first straight Tamil film. However, later on the plan was altered due to its disastrous performance at the Telugu box office and the film wasn't released in Tamil.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rakul-out-Samantha-Kajal-in-for-Mahesh-Babus-Tamil-debut/articleshow/47852246.cms |title=Rakul out, Samantha, Kajal in for Mahesh Babu's Tamil debut |last=Suganth |first=M. |work=The Times of India |date=29 June 2015 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629080831/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rakul-out-Samantha-Kajal-in-for-Mahesh-Babus-Tamil-debut/articleshow/47852246.cms |archive-date=29 June 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> While the film underperformed at the [[Boxoffice|box office]], the ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' stated that Mahesh Babu was its saving grace. The film was criticised by the public, for its lack of a proper story.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |title=Brahmotsavam movie review: Mahesh Babu the saving grace |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/210516/brahmotsavam-movie-review-mahesh-babu-the-saving-grace.html |date=21 May 2016 |newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |access-date=14 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924155144/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/210516/brahmotsavam-movie-review-mahesh-babu-the-saving-grace.html |archive-date=24 September 2016}}</ref> Babu stated that this was an error of judgement, where he had picked the wrong director.<ref>{{cite web |title=I want to take the responsibility for Brahmotsavam's failure at the box office |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mahesh-babu-i-want-to-take-the-responsibility-for-brahmotsavams-failure-at-the-box-office/ |website=IndiaToday.in |access-date=13 October 2016}}</ref>

He later appeared in the Telugu-Tamil bilingual ''[[Spyder (film)|Spyder]]'', directed by [[A. R. Murugadoss]], which finally marked his Tamil cinema debut<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/mahesh-babus-wife-namrata-and-kids-are-in-tuscany-but-wheres-the-spyder-star-1758503 |title=Mahesh Babu's Wife Namrata And Kids Are In Tuscany. But Where's The SPYder Star? |website=Ndtv.com |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105024215/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/mahesh-babus-wife-namrata-and-kids-are-in-tuscany-but-wheres-the-spyder-star-1758503 |archive-date=5 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and grossed over ₹113 crores at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |title=Spyder final collections |url=http://indianmoviestats.com/moviedetail.html?movie=288 |website=indianmoviestats.com |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205000716/http://indianmoviestats.com/moviedetail.html?movie=288 |archive-date=5 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film received mixed reviews, but was praised for S. J. Surya and Mahesh Babu's performances, especially the former, whereas critics panned the writing, screenplay and direction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=27 September 2017 |title=Spyder (Spider) Tamil movie review: Live audience response |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/spyder-spider-tamil-movie-review-live-audience-response-mahesh-babu-743528 |access-date=12 January 2021 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in |language=en}}</ref> Y. Sunita Chowdary of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated that "''Spyder'' starts off well but the director’s imagination goes overboard only to turn a purpose ridden plot to a piece of travesty.".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/telugu-film-review-spyder-2017-mahesh-babu-rakul-preet-singh/article19762527.ece|title='Spyder' review: jerky narration does it in|last=Chowdhary|first=Y. Sunita|date=27 September 2017|work=The Hindu|access-date=18 December 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

 

 

His 2020 film ''[[Sarileru Neekevvaru]]'' collected {{INR|260 crores|link=yes}} in worldwide box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing Telugu films.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sarileru Neekevvaru: Mahesh Babu celebrates 50 Days at box office |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/southern_cinema/sarileru-neekevvaru-mahesh-babu-celebrates-50-days-box-office-1502861238.html |access-date=5 March 2020 |work=The Statesman |date=29 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2020 |title=Highest-grossing Telugu movies at WW box office |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/baahubali-2-to-khaidi-no-150-highest-grossing-telugu-movies-at-the-worldwide-box-office-854029 |access-date=3 September 2020 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> Hemanth Kumar of ''[[Firstpost]]'' mentioned ''[[Sarileru Neekevvaru]]'' packages oodles of humour and action in right measures for Babu to hit the ball out of the park. Everything else is just a bonus or a distraction.<ref>{{Citation |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/sarileru-neekevvaru-movie-review-mahesh-babu-hits-it-out-of-the-park-in-anil-ravipudis-fine-blend-of-heroism-and-comedy-7892311.html |title=Sarileru Neekevvaru movie review |date=11 January 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> He next began filming for ''[[Sarkaru Vaari Paata]],'' marking his maiden collaboration with director [[Parasuram (director)|Parasuram]] in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |others=Special Correspondent |date=25 January 2021 |title=Mahesh Babu's 'Sarkaru Vaari Paata' goes on floors |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mahesh-babu-and-keerthy-sureshs-sarkaru-vaari-paata-goes-on-floors/article33656137.ece |access-date=25 January 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film was released in May 2022 to mixed reviews from critics. Although the screenplay and story received criticism, Babu's performance in the film received praise from various critics including ''[[The Hindu]]'',''<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi |date=12 May 2022 |title='Sarkaru Vaari Paata' movie review: It's a formulaic thing! |website=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/sarkaru-vaari-paata-its-a-formulaic-thing/article65406850.ece/amp/ |access-date=12 May 2022}}</ref>'' ''[[Hindustan Times]],<ref>{{cite web |date=12 May 2022 |title=Sarkaru Vaari Paata review: Mahesh Babu's film checks all the boxes of a commercial entertainer |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/sarkaru-vaari-paata-review-mahesh-babu-s-film-checks-all-the-boxes-of-a-commercial-entertainer-101652327879025-amp.html |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>'' ''[[India Today]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Sarkaru Vaari Paata Movie Review: Mahesh Babu does the heavy lifting to sell this formula film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/sarkaru-vaari-paata-movie-review-mahesh-babu-does-the-heavy-lifting-to-sell-this-formula-film-1948562-2022-05-12 |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref>'' and ''[[Pinkvilla]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sarkaru Vaari Paata Movie Review: Mahesh Babu's entertainment makes up for plain writing |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/sarkaru-vaari-paata-movie-review-mahesh-babus-entertainment-makes-plain-writing-1089630%3famp |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=[[Pinkvilla]]}}</ref>''

 

Babu has two upcoming films in various stages production. Babu is set to re-unite with Trivikram Srinivas for their third collaboration from April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=3 February 2022 |title=Mahesh Babu and Trivikram Srinivas's film goes on floors with puja, shooting begins in April |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/mahesh-babu-and-trivikram-srinivas-s-film-goes-on-floors-with-puja-shooting-begins-in-april-1908221-2022-02-03 |website=India Today}}</ref> He is also committed to star in [[S. S. Rajamouli]]'s untitled film which is expected to begin its production in 2023. The film is touted to be a jungle adventure set in Africa.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lohana |first1=Avinash |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mahesh Babu & SS Rajamouli's film to roll in first half of next year, confirms KV Vijayendra Prasad |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/exclusive-mahesh-babu-ss-rajamoulis-film-roll-first-half-next-year-confirms-kv-vijayendra-prasad-1085309 |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |date=9 May 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Mahesh Babu at Selvandhan Audio Launch.jpg|thumb|Babu at ''[[Selvandhan]]'' Audio Launch]]

 

His popularity has been documented in several Telugu films such as ''[[Ashta Chamma]]'' (2008),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/sep/05ssa.htm |title=Ashta Chamma is pure fun |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |work=Rediff.com |date=5 September 2008 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919163131/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/sep/05ssa.htm |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> ''Kiraak'' (2014),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Kiraak/movie-review/41855298.cms |title=Kiraak Movie Review |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |work=The Times of India |date=6 September 2014 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219004637/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Kiraak/movie-review/41855298.cms |url-status=live |archive-date=19 December 2015}}</ref> and ''Superstar Kidnap'' (2015).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/superstar-kidnap-good-performaces-make-it-work/article7383032.ece |title=Superstar Kidnap: Good performances make it work |last=Chowdhary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=The Hindu |date=3 July 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919162728/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/superstar-kidnap-good-performaces-make-it-work/article7383032.ece |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> He joined [[Twitter]] in April 2010 and has 12&nbsp;million followers as of July 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/urstrulymahesh?lang=en |title=Mahesh Babu Official Twitter Account |access-date=4 May 2020 |website=[[Twitter]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327070020/https://twitter.com/urstrulymahesh?lang=en |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

He was ranked twelfth on the Times' 50 Most Desirable Men in India for the year 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men/articleshow/7241661.cms |title=Times 50 Most Desirable Men |work=The Times of India |date=9 January 2011 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711070527/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men/articleshow/7241661.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> fifth in 2011,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-of-2011-The-Winners/articleshow/11757172.cms |title=Times 50 Most Desirable Men of 2011: The Winners – Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=7 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626213705/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-of-2011-The-Winners/articleshow/11757172.cms |archive-date=26 June 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> and second in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-top-50-Most-Desirable-Men-of-2012/articleshow/19895114.cms |title=Times top 50 Most Desirable Men of 2012 – Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=7 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107022604/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-top-50-Most-Desirable-Men-of-2012/articleshow/19895114.cms |archive-date=7 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> He climbed to the first position of the same list for the year 2013, beating the likes of [[Hrithik Roshan]], [[Salman Khan]], and [[Shah Rukh Khan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mahesh-Babu-most-desirable-actor-Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men/articleshow/35481316.cms |title=Mahesh Babu is 2013's most desirable man |last=Francis |first=Christina |work=The Times of India |date=23 January 2014 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711070534/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mahesh-Babu-most-desirable-actor-Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men/articleshow/35481316.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> He stood at sixth place on the same list for the year 2014,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-2014/articleshow/47071834.cms |title=Times 50 Most Desirable Men 2014 |last=Gupta |first=Francis |work=The Times of India |date=28 April 2015 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711070657/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-2014/articleshow/47071834.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> sixth in 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Ranveer-Singh-The-Most-Desirable-Man-of-2015/articleshow/52086520.cms |title=Ranveer Singh: The Most Desirable Man of 2015 – Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=7 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626183836/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Ranveer-Singh-The-Most-Desirable-Man-of-2015/articleshow/52086520.cms |archive-date=26 June 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> seventh in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rohit-khandelwal-the-most-desirable-man-of-2016/articleshow/59320564.cms |title=Rohit Khandelwal: The Most Desirable Man of 2016 – Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=7 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195751/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rohit-khandelwal-the-most-desirable-man-of-2016/articleshow/59320564.cms |archive-date=14 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and sixth in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/here-are-the-other-winners-of-the-times-50-most-desirable-men-2017/articleshow/64017683.cms |title=Here are the other winners of the Times 50 Most Desirable Men 2017 – Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=7 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506062916/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/here-are-the-other-winners-of-the-times-50-most-desirable-men-2017/articleshow/64017683.cms |archive-date=6 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> He was then added to the Forever Desirable list along with [[Salman Khan]], [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Aamir Khan]], [[Akshay Kumar]], and [[Hrithik Roshan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Meet India's most desirable dudes – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/vicky-kaushal-is-the-times-most-desirable-man-of-2018/articleshow/69361561.cms |access-date=6 December 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=17 May 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

Babu is an ambassador for about three dozen Indian brands.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/article199588.ece |title=The endorsement bug has bitten Tollywood |last=Sharma |first=Swati |work=The New Indian Express |date=1 August 2010 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073012/http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/article199588.ece |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/trivikram--mahesh-babu-team-up-again-news-telugu-mjslCDifgdesi.html |title=Trivikram – Mahesh Babu team up again |publisher=Sify |date=18 September 2012 |access-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073014/http://www.sify.com/movies/trivikram--mahesh-babu-team-up-again-news-telugu-mjslCDifgdesi.html |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> In 2007, he signed a five-year endorsement deal with the cola company [[Thums Up]] to replace [[Chiranjeevi]] as its brand ambassador in [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/brand-equity/most-trusted-brands-2012-thums-ups-journey-of-becoming-a-cola-brand-for-the-macho-man/articleshow/17112238.cms |title=Most Trusted Brands 2012: Thums Up's journey of becoming a cola brand for the macho man |newspaper=The Economic Times |date=7 November 2012 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073015/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/brand-equity/most-trusted-brands-2012-thums-ups-journey-of-becoming-a-cola-brand-for-the-macho-man/articleshow/17112238.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> He endorsed brands such as UniverCell Mobile Store,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/51353.html |title=UniverCell brand ambassador is Prince Mahesh |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=2 November 2009 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073017/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/51353.html |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Emami|Navratna Oil]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-brandline/emamis-power-keg/article1011058.ece |title=Emami's power keg |last=Kannan |first=Shobha |work=The Hindu |date=12 August 2010 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073455/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-brandline/emamis-power-keg/article1011058.ece |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Amrutanjan (balm)|Amrutanjan]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/selective-about-roles-and-brand/article628022.ece |title=Selective about roles and brand |newspaper=The Hindu |date=13 September 2010 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073454/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/selective-about-roles-and-brand/article628022.ece |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Provogue]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2010/mahesh-babu-provogue-ambassador-011010.html |title=Mahesh Babu is Provogue's brand ambassador |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073451/http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2010/mahesh-babu-provogue-ambassador-011010.html |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[ITC (company)|ITC Vivel]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/marketing/tollywoods-mahesh-babu-is-new-brand-ambassador-for-itcs-vivel/article1588417.ece |title=Tollywood's Mahesh Babu is new brand ambassador for ITC's Vivel |work=The Hindu |date=31 March 2011 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073450/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/marketing/tollywoods-mahesh-babu-is-new-brand-ambassador-for-itcs-vivel/article1588417.ece |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> Jos Alukkas,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/mahesh-babu-is-jos-alukkasbrand-ambassador-for-ap/article2025095.ece |title=Mahesh Babu is Jos Alukkas' brand ambassador for A.P. |newspaper=The Hindu |date=17 May 2011 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073936/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/mahesh-babu-is-jos-alukkasbrand-ambassador-for-ap/article2025095.ece |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Idea Cellular]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/management/south-stars-shining-bright-111102600087_1.html |title=South stars shining bright |last=Bhat |first=Varada |work=Business Standard |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073934/http://www.business-standard.com/article/management/south-stars-shining-bright-111102600087_1.html |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Wipro|Santoor Soap]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Prince-sets-his-eyes-on-Bollywood/articleshow/12037307.cms |title='Prince' sets his eyes on Bollywood? |last=Rao |first=Ch. Sushil |work=The Times of India |date=26 February 2012 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073932/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Prince-sets-his-eyes-on-Bollywood/articleshow/12037307.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> South India Shopping Mall,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/sism-to-invest-rs-500-cr-in-malls-business-112092600149_1.html |title=SISM to invest Rs 500 cr in malls business |last=Kanth |first=K. Rajani |work=Business Standard |date=26 September 2012 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073931/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/sism-to-invest-rs-500-cr-in-malls-business-112092600149_1.html |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Royal Stag]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babus-new-look-news-telugu-nbdmCihieaisi.html |title=Mahesh Babu's new look |publisher=Sify |date=3 January 2013 |access-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711074335/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babus-new-look-news-telugu-nbdmCihieaisi.html |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Rainbow Hospitals]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/wholl-say-no-to-mahesh-babu-news-telugu-ndpmDwggjahsi.html |title=Who'll say 'no' to Mahesh Babu? |publisher=Sify |date=15 March 2013 |access-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711074334/http://www.sify.com/movies/wholl-say-no-to-mahesh-babu-news-telugu-ndpmDwggjahsi.html |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[TVS Motor Company]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/TVS-signs-on-Mahesh-Babu-as-brand-ambassador/articleshow/20490251.cms |title=TVS signs on Mahesh Babu as brand ambassador |work=The Times of India |date=8 June 2013 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711074332/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/TVS-signs-on-Mahesh-Babu-as-brand-ambassador/articleshow/20490251.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Mahindra Tractors]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/mm-organises-customer-meet-at-its-zaheerabad-plant/article5078349.ece |title=M&M organises customer meet at its Zaheerabad plant |newspaper=The Hindu |date=31 August 2013 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711074331/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/mm-organises-customer-meet-at-its-zaheerabad-plant/article5078349.ece |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> Paragon footwear, and<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/mahesh-babu-to-be-paragon-brand-ambassador/article6396132.ece |title=Mahesh Babu to be Paragon brand ambassador |newspaper=The Hindu |date=10 September 2014 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711074715/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/mahesh-babu-to-be-paragon-brand-ambassador/article6396132.ece |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> [[Tata Sky]] in South India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-09-27/Mahesh-Babu-endorses-Tata-Sky-109321 |title=Mahesh Babu endorses Tata Sky |work=The Hans India |date=27 September 2014 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711074713/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-09-27/Mahesh-Babu-endorses-Tata-Sky-109321 |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> He was signed as the brand ambassador of Intex Mobiles in August 2015 for one year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/mahesh-babu-is-brand-ambassador-for-intex/article7495593.ece |title=Mahesh Babu launches Intex Aqua Trend |last=Krishnamoorthy |first=Suresh |newspaper=The Hindu |date=3 August 2015 |access-date=9 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809011539/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/mahesh-babu-is-brand-ambassador-for-intex/article7495593.ece |archive-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> In 2012, he replaced [[Akshay Kumar]] as the national brand ambassador for Thums Up across India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Mahesh-Babu-is-a-serious-threat-to-AB/articleshow/12146423.cms |title=Mahesh Babu is a serious threat to 'AB' |work=The Times of India |date=5 March 2012 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711074712/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Mahesh-Babu-is-a-serious-threat-to-AB/articleshow/12146423.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He also promotes the real estate firm Ramakrishna Venuzia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.tupaki.com/movienews/article/Mahesh-Babu-Ramakrishna-VENUZIA-AD-2016/39946 |title=Mahesh Ad For AP Real Estate |work=Tupaki.com |date=9 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815032539/http://english.tupaki.com/movienews/article/Mahesh-Babu-Ramakrishna-VENUZIA-AD-2016/39946 |archive-date=15 August 2016}}</ref> Babu commands a figure of {{INR}}25{{ndash}}30 million per endorsement per annum, thus earning around {{INR}}300 million per annum as a brand ambassador.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Younger-faces-to-drive-2013-brandwagon/articleshow/18011915.cms |title=Younger faces to drive 2013 brandwagon |last=Sharma |first=Samidha |work=The Times of India |date=14 January 2013 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711074710/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Younger-faces-to-drive-2013-brandwagon/articleshow/18011915.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> In 2016, he was signed as the brand ambassador of [[YuppTV]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahesh Babu as Brand Ambassador for Yupp TV |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions1/maheshbabu-brandambassador-yupptv/ |website=Idlebrain.com |access-date=13 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013232922/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions1/maheshbabu-brandambassador-yupptv/ |archive-date=13 October 2016}}</ref> and AbhiBus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/abhibus-ropes-in-mahesh-babu-as-brand-ambassador/article9238613.ece |title=Abhibus ropes Mahesh Babu in as brand ambassador |website=Thehindubusinessline.com |date=19 October 2016 |access-date=5 January 2018}}</ref> In February 2018 he was signed as the brand ambassador for Protinex.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/mahesh-babu-named-brand-ambassador-of-protinex-118022600609_1.html |title=Mahesh Babu named brand ambassador of Protinex |newspaper=Business Standard India |access-date=26 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226130854/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/mahesh-babu-named-brand-ambassador-of-protinex-118022600609_1.html |archive-date=26 February 2018 |url-status=live |date=26 February 2018}}</ref> Some of the other brands he endorses, or had endorsed previously, include Chennai Silks,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=14 September 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klNBZ2H4u1s |title=Superstar Mahesh Babu Chennai Silks Full TVC (2017) |publisher=MaheshBabu FC |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164100/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klNBZ2H4u1s |archive-date=11 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Sai Surya Developers,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=1 July 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtXID1ILVxo |title=Mahesh Babu Latest Sai Surya Developers TVC Ad Directed By Yamuna Kishore |publisher=Mahesh Babu |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164101/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtXID1ILVxo |archive-date=11 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Close-Up (toothpaste)|Close-Up]],<ref>{{cite AV media |date=31 August 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpzoYbsdaJc |title=Closeup Presents Paas Aao feat. Mahesh Babu {{!}} Telugu |publisher=Closeup India |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164101/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpzoYbsdaJc |archive-date=11 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Gold Winner,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=20 August 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AycsAXI_6X0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/AycsAXI_6X0 |archive-date=29 October 2021 |title=Gold Winner – Mahesh Babu |publisher=Kaleesuwari Refinery Pvt Ltd |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Denver Deodorant,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=12 April 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP2lcTIB2ww |title=Watch Mahesh Babu’s take on success |publisher=Denver For Men |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164102/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP2lcTIB2ww |archive-date=11 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lloyd AC,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuAp-iwDNaI |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164102/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuAp-iwDNaI |archive-date=11 October 2020 |title=Lloyd AC – Superstar Mahesh Babu – Telugu 60s |access-date=12 January 2020 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> Flipkart,<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Flipkart |user=Flipkart |number=1048930755160592389 |date=7 October 2018 |title=What’s cooking with @urstrulyMahesh? Do not miss the amazing deals on kitchen appliances! #BigBillionDaysAreBack https://t.co/WlMbIbstLg |language=en |access-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164047/https://twitter.com/Flipkart/status/1048930755160592389 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Helo app,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.sakshi.com/tollywood/2020/02/16/connect-with-mahesh-babu-through-this-app |title=Connect With 'Mahesh Babu' Through This App |date=16 February 2020 |website=Sakshi Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cinemapolitics.com/english/mahesh-babu-enters-helo-app-18008 |title=Mahesh Babu enters Helo App |website=Cinema Politics}}</ref> [[Byju's]],<ref>{{cite AV media |date=28 July 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndUQwmOqExc |title=BYJU'S TVC – Mahesh Babu – Learn from Brilliant Teachers |publisher=[[BYJU'S]] |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809171108/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndUQwmOqExc |archive-date=9 August 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> CarDekho,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=20 October 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4E117TygeI |title=Watch Mahesh Babu infuse joy in peoples’ lives in CarDekho Gaadi Store’s new TVC ad! |publisher=CarDekho |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108172859/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4E117TygeI |archive-date=8 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Jeep India,<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Jeep India |user=JeepIndia |number=1346366211697778688 |date=5 January 2021 |title=The time to live legendary is coming soon. Visit https://t.co/g4Yw4rWwwj to sign up for updates. #OIIIIIIIO #Jeep #JeepIndia #NewCompass #LiveLegendary #MaheshBabu #ComingSoon #JeepLife #2021 https://t.co/m8wk60zYYP |language=en |access-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517042727/https://twitter.com/JeepIndia/status/1346366211697778688 |archive-date=17 May 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mirchi9.com/movienews/mahesh-babu-signs-yet-another-prestigious-brand/ |title=Mahesh Babu Signs Yet Another Prestigious Brand |first=Manaswini |last=K |date=5 January 2021 |website=mirchi9.com}}</ref> Whitehat Junior,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=14 January 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkIYkitcWbo |title=mahesh babu latest ad {{!}} 2021 {{!}} sarkari vaari paata {{!}} sithara {{!}} gowtham |publisher=prasad Enugondapalem |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924182624/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkIYkitcWbo |archive-date=24 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lloyd Refrigerators,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=2 April 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHgWAG7OSTs |title=Mahesh Babu Tamannah New Lloyd Advertisement |publisher=Maheshbabu |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924182624/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHgWAG7OSTs |archive-date=24 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Jeevan Saathi,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=9 September 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaMDlhROFzU |title=Superstar Mahesh babu Jeevansathi Advertisement {{!}} #MaheshBabu #SarkaruVaariPaata |publisher=Mahesh Babu Updates |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924182618/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaMDlhROFzU |archive-date=24 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Health OK Tablets,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=14 September 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4jXqY5ttKc |title=Get 365 Days Of Maintained Energy & Overall Health {{!}} Mahesh Babu & Kichcha Sudeepa {{!}} Telugu |publisher=Health Ok Tablets |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924182613/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4jXqY5ttKc |archive-date=24 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Big C Mobiles,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=24 September 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFHhy68z4vQ |title=Mahesh Babu BIG C Press Meet {{!}} Brand Ambassador For BIG C {{!}} #BIGCSSMB {{!}} Mahesh Babu |publisher=Mahesh Babu |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924182613/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFHhy68z4vQ |archive-date=24 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Pan Bahar Elaichi,<ref>{{cite AV media |date=12 September 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWPLQY-tESk |title=Pan Bahar Elaichi – Pehchan Kamyabi ki {{!}} Latest Video 2021 {{!}} Tiger Shroff {{!}} Mahesh Babu {{!}} Latest Ads |publisher=Pan Bahar – Pehchan Kamyabi ki |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929053505/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWPLQY-tESk |archive-date=29 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Mountain Dew.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mountain Dew releases new ad with Mahesh Babu |url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/advertising/mountain-dew-releases-new-ad-with-mahesh-babu-11643964449101.html |access-date=7 March 2022 |work=Mint |date=4 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Overall, he has endorsed 39 brands thus far. He has also shot a unique concept video for [[Zee Telugu]] to promote their upcoming TV shows.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Superstar Mahesh Babu Concept Promo with Zee Telugu |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y8MBSlp1Jk&ab_channel=ZeeCinemalu |date=14 July 2020 |type=Video |website=YouTube}}</ref> In 2022, Mahesh Babu ended his association with [[Thums Up]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Today |first=Telangana |date=2022-01-31 |title=Rowdy for Thunder: Has ‘Thums Up’ replaced Mahesh Babu with Vijay Deverakonda? |url=https://telanganatoday.com/rowdy-for-thunder-has-thums-up-replaced-mahesh-babu-with-vijay-deverakonda |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=[[Telangana Today]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The same year, he faced criticism for endorsing  the brand Pan Bahar Elaichi, after the statement–"Bollywood cannot afford me" he made during a promotional event of [[Major (film)|''Major'']].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-18 |title=Netizens troll Mahesh Babu for endorsing pan masala brand after his claim 'Bollywood can't afford me' |url=https://theprint.in/features/netizens-troll-mahesh-babu-for-endorsing-pan-masala-brand-after-his-claim-bollywood-cant-afford-me/961027/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

 

 

 

In 2019, his wax statue was unveiled in ''[[Madame Tussauds Singapore]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/mahesh-babus-unveils-wax-statue-for-madame-tussauds-singapore-see-pics-2012448 |title=Mahesh Babu Unveils Wax Statue For Madame Tussauds Singapore. |access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref> ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' reported that Babu was the first Telugu actor to get a wax statue at Madame Tussauds, while [[Amarendra Baahubali|Baahubali]] (portrayed by [[Prabhas]]) was the first Telugu film character.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mahesh-babu-is-the-first-telugu-actor-to-be-immortalised-at-madame-tussauds-see-pic/story-Cl8LSoimbhKXOL2LyNRVPL.html |title=Mahesh Babu is the first Telugu actor to be immortalised at Madame Tussauds. See pic |date=27 April 2018}}</ref> He was also the first Indian actor whose wax statue was flown back for a day for unveiling at his hometown.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahesh-babu-becomes-first-indian-celeb-to-have-his-madame-tussauds-wax-statue-migrated-for-a-day/articleshow/67956561.cms |title=Mahesh Babu becomes first Indian celeb to have his Madame Tussauds wax statue migrated for a day – Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

During the shoot of [[B. Gopal]]{{'s}} ''[[Vamsi (film)|Vamsi]]'' at [[Australia]], Babu began to date his co-star [[Namrata Shirodkar]]. After being in a relationship for four years, they decided to get married, and Manjula convinced Krishna in favour of their decision.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=9}} They were married on 10 February 2005 at the Marriott Hotel, Mumbai during the shooting of ''[[Athadu]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-weds-namrata-news-telugu-kkfv87aahbcsi.html |title=Mahesh Babu weds Namrata! |publisher=Sify |date=10 February 2005 |access-date=8 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133117/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-weds-namrata-news-telugu-kkfv87aahbcsi.html |archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> The couple's first child was born on 31 August 2006 at the Global Hospital in Hyderabad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-is-a-daddy-news-telugu-kkfvirieahd.html |title=Mahesh Babu is a daddy! |publisher=Sify |date=2 September 2006 |access-date=8 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133108/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-is-a-daddy-news-telugu-kkfvirieahd.html |archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> The boy, named Gautham Krishna, was a premature baby and was in critical condition during his birth. His condition turned stable after the doctors treated him in time.<ref name="Aagadu" /> On 20 July 2012, Shirodkar gave birth to a girl whom they named Sitara.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-names-his-daughter-Sitara/articleshow/15077305.cms |title=Mahesh Babu names his daughter Sitara |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=The Times of India |date=22 July 2012 |access-date=8 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133107/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-names-his-daughter-Sitara/articleshow/15077305.cms |archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> Before her delivery, they preserved her stem cells using stem cell banking to ensure a better immunity level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Im-the-bad-cop-at-home-Namrata-Shirodkar/articleshow/14555468.cms |title=I'm the bad cop at home: Namrata Shirodkar |last=Chowdary |first=Asha |work=The Times of India |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=8 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133105/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Im-the-bad-cop-at-home-Namrata-Shirodkar/articleshow/14555468.cms |archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>

 

Babu is the fourth child in a family of five children. His elder brother [[Ramesh Babu]] was a film producer and was also an actor. Mahesh Babu's eldest sister Padmavathi is married to [[Galla Jayadev]], an industrialist and [[Indian Parliament|Member of the Indian Parliament]] from the [[Telugu Desam Party]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-09-11/After-Srimanthudu-Mahesh-Srimanthuralu-adopts-village-175546 |title=After Srimanthudu Mahesh, Srimanthuralu adopts village |last=Anjali |first=G. |work=The Hans India |date=6 August 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919060226/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-09-11/After-Srimanthudu-Mahesh-Srimanthuralu-adopts-village-175546 |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> His elder sister [[Manjula Ghattamaneni|Manjula]] is a film producer, director, and an actress.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Priyadarshini, his younger sister, is married to [[Sudheer Babu]], who later made his debut as an actor in Telugu cinema.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Sudheer-Babu-is-all-set-to-make-his-Tollywood-entry/articleshow/11699923.cms |title=Sudheer Babu is all set to make his Tollywood entry |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=The Times of India |date=1 February 2012 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919060605/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Sudheer-Babu-is-all-set-to-make-his-Tollywood-entry/articleshow/11699923.cms |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref>

 

Telugu actress and filmmaker [[Vijaya Nirmala]] was Babu's step-mother, and actor [[Naresh (actor)|Naresh]] is his step-brother.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/bestowed-with-bliss/article2251633.ece |title=Bestowed with bliss |last=Chowdary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=The Hindu |date=4 August 2007 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919061851/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/bestowed-with-bliss/article2251633.ece |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref>

Babu gives 30% of his annual income to charities, and most of his philanthropic activities are unpublicised because he prefers them to be so.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2015/mahesh-babu-s-stunning-act-in-discussion-180159.html |title=Mahesh Babu's Stunning Act In Discussion |last=Anjuri |first=Pravallika |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=15 April 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919091624/http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2015/mahesh-babu-s-stunning-act-in-discussion-180159.html |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> He joined [[Farhan Akhtar]]{{'s}} [[Men Against Rape and Discrimination]] (MARD) campaign in August 2013 and lent his voice to the Telugu version of a poem written by [[Javed Akhtar]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/MARD-poem-by-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/21546158.cms |title=MARD poem by Mahesh Babu |work=The Times of India |date=2 August 2013 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919094809/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/MARD-poem-by-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/21546158.cms |archive-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He was signed in 2013 as the goodwill ambassador of Heal-a-child Foundation, a non-profit organisation that offers financial support to the parents of terminally ill children to help with the cost of medical treatment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141130/entertainment-tollywood/article/mahesh-comes-out-his-shell |title=Mahesh comes out of his shell |last=Jha |first=Neha |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=30 November 2014 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919094119/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141130/entertainment-tollywood/article/mahesh-comes-out-his-shell |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> In October 2014, he donated {{INR}}2.5 million to a relief fund run by the chief minister of [[Andhra Pradesh]] for reconstruction of areas destroyed during [[Cyclone Hudhud]]. Krishna and Vijaya Nirmala later donated {{INR}}2.5 million to the fund.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-donates-Rs-25-lakhs-to-CM-relief-fund/articleshow/44814486.cms |title=Mahesh Babu donates Rs 25 lakhs to CM relief fund |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |work=The Times of India |date=14 October 2014 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919092326/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-donates-Rs-25-lakhs-to-CM-relief-fund/articleshow/44814486.cms |archive-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Jayadev announced in February 2015 that Babu would adopt Krishna's native village [[Burripalem]], a minor [[Panchayati Raj|panchayat]] in [[Tenali]], and would address basic needs of the community such as potable drinking water and better roads and drainage systems.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/mahesh-babu-to-adapt-burripalem-village/article6861260.ece |title=Mahesh Babu to adopt Burripalem village |last=Jonathan |first=P. Samuel |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 February 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919150045/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/mahesh-babu-to-adapt-burripalem-village/article6861260.ece |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> Babu also announced that he is working with Telangana's Rural Development minister [[K. T. Rama Rao]] to adopt another village in [[Mahbubnagar district]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/mahesh-babu-to-adopt-village-in-telanganas-mahabubnagar-1209248 |title=Mahesh Babu to Adopt Village in Telangana's Mahabubnagar |publisher=NDTV |date=20 August 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919121936/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/mahesh-babu-to-adopt-village-in-telanganas-mahabubnagar-1209248 |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref>

=== Legal issues ===

In September 2004, Babu and director [[Gunasekhar]] attended a rally organised by his fans at [[Warangal]] for the promotional activities of ''Arjun''. He and his fans allegedly raided two video libraries and assaulted their owners who were circulating unauthorised CDs of the film. Cases under [[Indian Penal Code|IPC]] section 448 (criminal trespass), section 427 (mischief) and section 366 (kidnap) were registered on him, who was the principal accused, and five others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Police-gun-for-star-after-piracy-stunt/articleshow/847244.cms |title=Police gun for star after piracy stunt |work=The Times of India |date=11 September 2004 |access-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920052226/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Police-gun-for-star-after-piracy-stunt/articleshow/847244.cms |archive-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Later, a delegation from the Telugu film industry, including his father [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]], [[Chiranjeevi]], [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]], [[Allu Aravind]] and [[D. Suresh Babu]], approached the then chief minister [[Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy]] to intervene in this case. Regarding the issue, Babu said that while cases were booked against him on "the basis of wrong information," not a single case had been booked against the person dealing in bootlegged CDs, which he found the "funniest" thing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/youth/fullstory.php?id=13565626 |title=Telegu film industry seeks action against piracy |publisher=Sify |date=13 September 2004 |access-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920052236/http://www.sify.com/youth/fullstory.php?id=13565626 |archive-date=20 September 2015}}</ref> Actor [[Pawan Kalyan]] openly supported Babu throughout the episode.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Pawan-Mahesh-to-promote-Allu-Arjun/articleshow/46229332.cms |title=Pawan, Mahesh to promote Allu Arjun? |work=The Times of India |date=14 February 2015 |access-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214030146/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Pawan-Mahesh-to-promote-Allu-Arjun/articleshow/46229332.cms |archive-date=14 February 2015}}</ref> Babu surrendered in the district court in September 2004 and appeared before the court again in April 2006. Babu and the others were exonerated after the final hearing in July 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/court-acquits-film-actor-mahesh-babu/article3101649.ece |title=Court acquits film actor Mahesh Babu |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 July 2006 |access-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920052215/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/court-acquits-film-actor-mahesh-babu/article3101649.ece |archive-date=20 September 2015}}</ref>

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Mahesh Babu}}Mahesh Babu is a recipient of eight [[Nandi Awards]], five [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare South Awards]], three [[CineMAA Awards]], three [[Santosham Film Awards]], four [[South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Awards]] and one [[1st IIFA Utsavam|IIFA Utsavam Award]].{{Notelist}}