Gautam Ghattamaneni, the elder son of Telugu cinema icon Mahesh Babu and former actress Namrata Shirodkar, is a name that has steadily gained attention in recent years. Born into one of the most celebrated families in the South Indian film industry, Gautam is carving his own path while carrying the legacy of his illustrious lineage. Known for his low-key persona, academic excellence, and budding acting career, Gautam has already made waves as a promising talent.
Early Life and Family Background
Gautam Ghattamaneni was born on August 31, 2006, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, to Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar. His birth marked a joyous moment for the Ghattamaneni family, a prominent name in Telugu cinema. Gautam’s father, Mahesh Babu, often referred to as the "Superstar" of Tollywood, is a leading actor and producer with a career spanning over two decades. His mother, Namrata Shirodkar, is a former Bollywood actress and Femina Miss India 1993 winner who transitioned into a family-oriented life after marriage. Gautam is the couple’s first child, followed by his younger sister, Sitara Ghattamaneni, born in 2012.
The Ghattamaneni family hails from a rich cinematic heritage. Gautam’s paternal grandfather, Krishna, was a legendary Telugu actor, director, and producer, while his uncle, Ramesh Babu, was an actor and producer. His aunt, Manjula Ghattamaneni, is also a noted producer and actress. Growing up in such an environment, Gautam was naturally exposed to the world of entertainment from a young age. Despite his privileged upbringing, his parents ensured he remained grounded, emphasizing education and humility.
Gautam’s early life was not without challenges. Born premature, he faced critical health conditions shortly after birth, spending time under medical care. Mahesh Babu once shared this emotional experience during a charitable event, highlighting how Gautam’s resilience shaped their family’s perspective on life. Today, Gautam stands tall—both literally and figuratively—as a testament to his strength and determination.
Education and Academic Achievements
Gautam Ghattamaneni’s educational journey reflects his dedication and intellect. He completed his schooling at CHIREC International School in Hyderabad, one of the city’s premier institutions. In 2022, Gautam excelled in his Class 10 board examinations, earning praise from his mother, Namrata, who took to Instagram to celebrate his achievement. She wrote, “He’s done it… on his own!! His grade 10 results are out and he’s aced all his subjects! I’m so so happy and proud of you, my little baby boy.” This milestone marked the beginning of a new phase in Gautam’s life.
Following his stellar performance, Gautam graduated from the International School of Hyderabad (ISH) in 2024. His graduation ceremony was a proud moment for his parents, with Mahesh Babu sharing heartfelt pictures and a message: “My heart bursts with pride! Congratulations on your graduation, son!” After completing high school, Gautam set his sights on higher education abroad. In 2023, he enrolled at New York University (NYU) in the United States to pursue a four-year drama course at the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. This decision underscored his passion for acting and his commitment to honing his craft professionally.
Entry into Acting: A Child Star Debut
Gautam Ghattamaneni’s tryst with the entertainment industry began early. At the age of eight, he made his acting debut in the 2014 Telugu psychological thriller 1: Nenokkadine, directed by Sukumar. In the film, Gautam portrayed the younger version of his father’s character, Gautham, earning critical acclaim for his natural performance. The movie, which starred Mahesh Babu alongside Kriti Sanon, was a significant project, and Gautam’s role added a personal touch to the narrative. His performance won him the Nandi Award for Best Child Actor in 2015, a remarkable achievement for a debutant.
Beyond the silver screen, Gautam appeared in a television commercial for Sai Surya Developers alongside his mother and sister, showcasing his ease in front of the camera. These early experiences fueled his interest in acting, a dream he expressed during an Instagram “Ask Me Anything” session hosted by his father, where Mahesh revealed Gautam’s aspiration to become a “hero.”
Pursuing Drama at NYU: A Step Toward Stardom
Gautam’s move to New York University in 2023 marked a pivotal chapter in his journey. Enrolled in a four-year drama program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, he is immersing himself in the world of performing arts. This decision aligns with his long-term goal of becoming a professional actor, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. His sister, Sitara, confirmed his ambitions in an interview with iDream Media, stating, “He’s definitely going to be an actor.”
In March 2025, a video of Gautam performing a mime at NYU went viral, showcasing his acting prowess. The silent performance, featuring expressive gestures and emotions, depicted a dramatic scene of a date gone awry. Shared by Mahesh Babu fan pages, the clip garnered mixed reactions—some fans praised his talent, while others noted room for growth. Regardless, it highlighted Gautam’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to experiment as he prepares for a future in cinema.
Personal Interests and Personality
Beyond academics and acting, Gautam Ghattamaneni is a multifaceted individual with diverse interests. A nature enthusiast, he often shares Instagram posts of himself planting trees and enjoying the outdoors, reflecting his commitment to environmental causes. He is also an avid traveler and adventure sports lover, frequently spotted enjoying family vacations in destinations like Paris and New York. Video games are another passion, offering him a way to unwind.
Gautam shares a close bond with his family, particularly his sister, Sitara. The siblings are often seen engaging in playful banter and supporting each other’s endeavors. Despite his famous lineage, Gautam maintains a low profile, contrasting with Sitara’s more public social media presence. His humility and grounded nature have been widely appreciated, evident in his participation in welfare activities like tree plantation drives and visits to hospitals.
Milestones and Celebrations
Gautam’s life has been marked by several memorable milestones. In August 2024, he turned 18, a significant occasion celebrated by his family in New York. Mahesh Babu and Namrata, along with Sitara, flew to the U.S. to mark the day, sharing heartfelt messages on social media. Mahesh wrote, “Happy 18 son! Explore & enjoy this time. I’m a proud father today,” while Namrata added, “To new beginnings! Happy birthday son. Shine bright be happy and stay blessed always.”
His graduation from ISH in May 2024 was another proud moment, with both parents expressing their joy. Namrata’s note to Gautam read, “Believe in yourself as much as I believe in you, and know that no matter where life takes you, you will always have my love and support.” These milestones underscore Gautam’s transition from a star kid to an independent individual ready to take on the world.
Future Prospects: Carrying the Ghattamaneni Legacy
As of March 25, 2025, Gautam Ghattamaneni is in his second year at NYU, with two more years of drama training ahead. His sister, Sitara, has hinted at his plans to debut as a lead actor in Telugu cinema post-graduation, potentially in 2027. Given his family’s legacy—Mahesh Babu’s superstardom and Krishna’s iconic status—expectations are high for Gautam to make a mark in Tollywood.
While his father prepares for SS Rajamouli’s upcoming action-adventure film SSMB29, Gautam is quietly building his skills. Fans and industry insiders alike see him as a potential successor to Mahesh Babu’s throne, with his good looks, charm, and early acting experience setting the stage for a promising career.
Conclusion
Gautam Ghattamaneni is more than just Mahesh Babu’s son—he is a young man with ambition, talent, and a strong sense of identity. From his debut in 1: Nenokkadine to his current pursuits at NYU, Gautam is steadily preparing to step into the spotlight. With his family’s unwavering support and his own determination, he is poised to become a significant figure in Indian cinema. As he continues to grow, the world watches eagerly, anticipating the next chapter in the Ghattamaneni legacy.
Top FAQs About Gautam Ghattamaneni
- Who is Gautam Ghattamaneni?
Gautam Ghattamaneni is the elder son of Telugu actor Mahesh Babu and former actress Namrata Shirodkar. Born on August 31, 2006, he is a budding actor currently studying drama at New York University. - What is Gautam Ghattamaneni’s age?
As of March 25, 2025, Gautam Ghattamaneni is 18 years old, having been born on August 31, 2006. - Has Gautam Ghattamaneni acted in any movies?
Yes, Gautam debuted as a child actor in the 2014 Telugu film 1: Nenokkadine, playing the younger version of his father’s character. He won a Nandi Award for Best Child Actor for his performance. - Where is Gautam Ghattamaneni studying?
Gautam is pursuing a four-year drama course at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, starting in 2023. - What are Gautam Ghattamaneni’s future plans?
Gautam aspires to become an actor, with plans to debut as a lead in Telugu cinema after completing his education, as confirmed by his sister, Sitara. - Who are Gautam Ghattamaneni’s parents?
Gautam’s parents are Mahesh Babu, a renowned Telugu actor, and Namrata Shirodkar, a former actress and Miss India 1993 winner. - Does Gautam Ghattamaneni have siblings?
Yes, Gautam has a younger sister, Sitara Ghattamaneni, born in 2012, with whom he shares a close bond. - What awards has Gautam Ghattamaneni won?
Gautam won the Nandi Award for Best Child Actor in 2015 for his role in 1: Nenokkadine. - Is Gautam Ghattamaneni active on social media?
Yes, Gautam is active on Instagram (@gautamghattamaneni), where he shares glimpses of his life, though he maintains a relatively low profile. - What are Gautam Ghattamaneni’s hobbies?
Gautam enjoys traveling, adventure sports, playing video games, and nature-related activities like tree planting.
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