Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu was born on 9th August 1974 at Chennai to Super Star Krishna and Indiradevi in Kalyani Hoispital. His nick name is Naani. He completed his school education in Shanti Public School and he completed his B.Com graduation in Loyala College in Chennai. As a child actor only he acted in several films like Mugguru Kodukulu, Kodkulu Didhina kapuram, Gudachari 117, Balachandrudu etc.

He acted his first film as a solo hero in "Rajakumarudu" with Preeti Zinta as heroine under the direction of K. Raghavendra Rao. After that he acted in Yuvaraju and Vamsy which were done average business in tollywood industry. Mahesh Babu got big break through the film "Murari" which was released in 2001. Sonali Bindre acted as female lead in this film and the film was directed the creative director "Krishna Vamsi". After that he acted in the films like Takkari Donga and Bobby which were released in 2002 did not run well but he got very good compliments from the audience.

After that he has done "Okkadu" produced by MS Raju under the direction of Gunasekhar on the banner of Sumanth Arts in 2003 and the film become the tollywood blockbuster. Later he acted in the "Nijam" in 2003 under the direction of Teja, failed at Boxoffice but he got the Andhra Pradesh State Government's most prestigious "Nandi Award" for his excellent performance. After that he has done Naani and Arjun in 2004 both were done average business at box office.

In the year 2005 he acted in the film "Athadu" produced by Murali Mohan under the direction of Trivikram Srinivas and the female lead is Trisha. The film is one of the huge hit in Mahesh Babu's career. He once again got "Nandi Award" as a best actor for his excellent performance in the film. In the same year he also won the Film Fare award as a best actor category.

The unforgettable year in Mahesh Babu's life is 2006. He acted in the film "Pokiri" which is produced and directed by Puri Jagannath. It create sensational in the industry. The film broke all the records of 75 years telugu film industry and create new records. After Pokiri Mahesh Babu done Sainikudu with Trisha in the female lead under the direction of Gunasekhar but the film didn’t reach the expectations. After that he acted in "Athidhi" which is directed by Surender Reddy and the film is big disaster.

Mahesh Babu married Namrata Shirodkar who is a Bollywood actress in February 2005. The couple blessed with a son Ghattamaneni Gautham on August 31, 2006.