9 films and a dual role: Mahesh Babu was already a star before he finished school

Mahesh Babu, born Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu on August 9, 1975, in Chennai, was already familiar with the silver screen as a child. As the son of veteran actor Krishna, his family connection led him to the world of cinema at the tender age of four. Though his first on-screen appearance was brief, it marked the beginning of a nine-film career as a child artist over the next decade.

Notable roles included Poratam (1983), where he played Bujji opposite his father, and Koduku Diddina Kapuram (1989), his only dual role in childhood, where he portrayed twin brothers Vinod and Pramod. Other projects from this era include Sankharavam (1987), Bazaar Rowdy and Mugguru Kodukulu (both 1988), and his final films, Balachandrudu (1990) and Anna Thammudu (1990).

Despite his busy acting schedule, Mahesh continued his education at St Bede's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai. After completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree and a decade-long break from films, he made a successful return to the industry as an adult lead in Rajakumarudu (1999), which earned him the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut.