Mahesh Babu Stands by Niece Bharati Following Social Media Pushback

Superstar Mahesh Babu has reportedly taken a firm step in support of his niece Bharati Ghattamaneni after a section of late superstar Krishna’s fans allegedly objected to his decision to pursue his acting career.

According to sources, when the news of late actor Ramesh Babu’s daughter Bharati making her acting debut broke out, several ardent fans of Krishna contacted her and warned her against venturing into films. “He was deeply disturbed by the calls,” says a source. “He then sought the support of his uncle, Mahesh Babu, who did not take the intervention lightly.”

The source claims that Mahesh Babu personally reached out to some fans and made his stand clear. “He told them unequivocally to stay away from his nephew and said he would act in films if that was what Bharati wanted. He reportedly asked his fans not to impose outdated views.”

Interestingly, while Ramesh Babu’s son Jaya Krishna is all set to make his debut with Ajay Bhupathi’s Srinivasa Mangapuram, Bharati Ghattamaneni is being played by director Teja opposite Amitov Teja in a supernatural thriller. “Many Ghattamaneni fans were enthusiastically supporting Jaya Krishna, but some were blocking Bharati’s entry into theatres,” the source adds. “Mahesh Babu reportedly reminded them that they should support the next generation of the family without prejudice.”

This episode also brought back memories of a similar situation that Mahesh Babu’s sister Manjula Ghattamaneni faced decades ago. During the peak of superstar Krishna’s stardom, Manjula reportedly faced strong resistance from her fans and some sections of society against her acting aspirations, especially in mainstream roles involving romance and dance. Although he appeared in films such as Rajasthani (1999) and the Malayalam hit Summer in Bethlehem, his career as a leading actor did not take off significantly.

Manjula later reinvented herself as a successful producer and director. His Production Show won a National Award and he appeared in character roles in films like Orange, Yem Maaya Chesave and also directed the film ‘Manasuku Nachindi’.

In a recent development, Manjula announced that her daughter Jaanvi Ghattamaneni is preparing for her acting debut; he described this moment as “poetic closure”. Jaanvi’s latest photo shoots, showcasing both traditional elegance and contemporary glamor, have reportedly attracted the attention of filmmakers and national brands. Her screen debut was as a child artist in Manjula’s directorial debut, Manasuku Nachindi, where her natural screen presence surprised the team.

“She doesn’t move, she feels,” Manjula said while introducing her daughter. “I have no hard feelings. Those who once opposed me are now my well-wishers. Jaanvi’s smile is proof that my prayers have been answered.”

With Mahesh Babu reigning at the top of Tollywood and his nieces Bharati and Jaanvi standing “like a rock” behind him, industry insiders believe that attempts to dissuade the new generation of Ghattamaneni women from pursuing cinema will no longer find ground.