Sitara Ghattamaneni, the charming daughter of Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and former actress Namrata Shirodkar, has already carved a unique space for herself in the public eye. Born into a family with a rich cinematic legacy, Sitara is not just a celebrity kid but a rising star in her own right. At the tender age of 12, she has achieved remarkable milestones, from appearing on Times Square billboards to donating her first paycheck to charity.
Early Life and Family Background
Sitara Ghattamaneni was born on July 20, 2012, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, to Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar. Her birth brought immense joy to the Ghattamaneni family, known for its deep roots in the Telugu film industry. Sitara’s father, Mahesh Babu, is one of the most celebrated actors in Tollywood, often referred to as the "Prince of Telugu Cinema" or "Superstar." Her mother, Namrata Shirodkar, is a former model and actress who won the Femina Miss India title in 1993 before transitioning into family life after marrying Mahesh in 2005.
Sitara is the younger of two siblings, with an elder brother, Gautam Ghattamaneni, born in 2006. Gautam has also stepped into the spotlight, making his acting debut as a child artist in 1: Nenokkadine (2014), portraying a younger version of his father. The Ghattamaneni family hails from a traditional Chowdhary lineage of the Kamma caste, with a strong connection to Burripalem in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district. Sitara’s grandfather, Krishna Ghattamaneni, was a legendary actor in Telugu cinema, while her grandmother, Indira Devi, provided a nurturing family environment until her passing in 2022.
Growing up in Hyderabad, Sitara has been surrounded by love, luxury, and the glitz of the entertainment world. Despite her privileged upbringing, her parents have instilled in her values of humility and generosity, which have become evident in her actions as she matures.
Education and Early Interests
As of 2025, Sitara is pursuing her schooling at CHIREC International School in Hyderabad, one of the city’s most prestigious institutions. While her academic journey remains private, her multifaceted talents have taken center stage. From a young age, Sitara displayed a keen interest in the arts, excelling in dance, music, and painting. She is a trained dancer, proficient in classical forms like Kuchipudi and Ballet, showcasing her dedication to preserving cultural traditions while embracing modern expressions.
Sitara’s love for creativity extends beyond dance. She is skilled at playing the guitar and enjoys painting, often sharing glimpses of her artwork with her fans. Her hobbies also include reading books, swimming, and spending quality time with her family and pets. Sitara is an avid animal lover, with two pet dogs, Nobu and Pluto, who frequently appear in her social media posts, endearing her to her followers.
Stepping into the Spotlight
Sitara’s journey into the public eye began organically, thanks to her famous lineage. However, she quickly proved that she is more than just Mahesh Babu’s daughter. Her first notable on-screen appearance came in 2022 with the music video for the song Penny from her father’s film Sarkaru Vaari Paata. Dancing alongside Mahesh Babu, Sitara captivated audiences with her natural flair and infectious energy. The father-daughter duo’s chemistry was a highlight, earning her widespread praise for her confidence and talent at such a young age.
That same year, Sitara made a guest appearance on the Telugu dance reality show Dance India Dance with her father. Reports suggest that the duo charged a staggering Rs. 9 crores for the episode, underscoring Sitara’s growing market value even as a child star. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character of baby Elsa in the Telugu dubbed version of Disney’s Frozen 2 (2019), marking her versatility in the entertainment space.
Social Media Stardom and YouTube Venture
Sitara’s presence extends far beyond traditional media. With over 2.1 million followers on Instagram as of 2025, she is a social media sensation. Her verified account (@sitaraghattamaneni) offers fans a glimpse into her life, featuring family moments, dance routines, and collaborations with brands. Her relatable charm and vibrant personality have made her a favorite among Gen Z audiences.
In 2019, Sitara teamed up with her friend Aadya, daughter of director Vamshi Paidipally, to launch a YouTube channel called Aadya & Sitara. The channel, which has amassed over 320k subscribers, features fun content like DIY crafts, painting tutorials, games, challenges, and vlogs. During the pandemic, Sitara and Aadya interviewed prominent South Indian celebrities, including her father Mahesh Babu and actress Rashmika Mandanna, showcasing her confidence and interviewing skills. This venture highlights her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to connect with a digital audience.
Brand Endorsements and Times Square Milestone
Sitara’s star power reached new heights in 2023 when she became the brand ambassador for PMJ Jewels, a renowned Hyderabad-based jewelry brand. At just 11 years old, she reportedly earned Rs. 1 crore for the endorsement—her first paycheck—which she generously donated to charity. This selfless act won her widespread admiration and solidified her reputation as a grounded individual despite her fame.
The PMJ Jewels campaign also made history when Sitara’s face appeared on a Times Square billboard in New York City in July 2023. She became the youngest Indian star kid to achieve this feat, a moment her proud father celebrated on Instagram, writing, “Lighting up the Times Square!! So so proud of you my firecracker. Continue to dazzle and shine!!” The campaign, tied to her half-saree ceremony photoshoot, showcased Sitara in stunning traditional attire, further elevating her status as a fashion icon.
Sitara has also endorsed other brands, such as Country Delight milk and children’s clothing lines, leveraging her massive online following to influence young audiences. Her ability to balance school, endorsements, and creative pursuits speaks volumes about her discipline and potential.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Sitara’s charitable contributions reflect the values instilled by her parents. Beyond donating her Rs. 1 crore paycheck, she has actively participated in meaningful initiatives. On her 11th birthday in 2023, she distributed bicycles to schoolgirls, encouraging education and mobility. In 2024, for her 12th birthday, Sitara celebrated with Navya Sri, the daughter of a daily wage worker who excelled in NEET exams. She gifted Navya a laptop and stethoscope, while the Mahesh Babu Foundation pledged to sponsor Navya’s medical education through the Superstar Krishna Educational Fund.
These acts of kindness, combined with her family’s humanitarian efforts—such as Mahesh Babu’s foundation funding congenital heart surgeries—position Sitara as a young role model with a heart of gold.
Personal Life and Family Bond
Sitara shares a close bond with her family, particularly her father, Mahesh Babu. In a 2024 interview with iDream Media, she revealed how she often bunks school to spend time with him when he’s not shooting. “Half the time I bunk school is because of my dad. He persuades my mom to let me stay home, and we have fun together,” she said, highlighting their playful relationship. She also admitted to teasing Mahesh about his hair, which he is famously protective of.
Her mother, Namrata, is the stricter parent, balancing discipline with unconditional love. Namrata often shares heartfelt posts about Sitara, calling her “my favorite little travel companion” in a 2024 birthday tribute. Sitara’s brother, Gautam, is currently pursuing a drama course at New York University, and the siblings are both training in acting, hinting at a future in entertainment.
Future Aspirations
At 12, Sitara is already contemplating her career path. In the iDream Media interview, she expressed interest in acting and modeling, inspired by her parents’ legacies. “It feels really good to carry this legacy forward. I’m considering acting and modeling, but I’m only 12, so I’m not sure yet,” she said. With her family’s support and her early training, Sitara is poised to follow in her father’s footsteps, potentially debuting in Tollywood in the coming years.
Her father’s upcoming project with SS Rajamouli, tentatively titled SSMB29, keeps the Ghattamaneni name in the spotlight, and fans eagerly await whether Sitara will join him on screen someday.
Conclusion
Sitara Ghattamaneni is more than Mahesh Babu’s daughter—she’s a talented, compassionate, and ambitious young star with a bright future. From her dance moves in Penny to her Times Square debut, she has proven her potential at an early age. With a strong family legacy, a massive fan base, and a heart for giving back, Sitara is a name to watch in the years ahead.
Top FAQs About Sitara Ghattamaneni
1. Who is Sitara Ghattamaneni?
Sitara Ghattamaneni is the daughter of Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and former actress Namrata Shirodkar, born on July 20, 2012, in Hyderabad, India.
2. How old is Sitara Ghattamaneni in 2025?
As of March 25, 2025, Sitara is 12 years old, having celebrated her birthday on July 20, 2024.
3. What is Sitara Ghattamaneni known for?
She is known for being Mahesh Babu’s daughter, her appearance in the Penny song from Sarkaru Vaari Paata, her Times Square billboard feature, and her charitable acts.
4. What is Sitara’s first salary, and what did she do with it?
Sitara earned Rs. 1 crore as the brand ambassador for PMJ Jewels in 2023 and donated it to charity.
5. Does Sitara Ghattamaneni want to become an actress?
Sitara has expressed interest in acting and modeling but says she’s unsure as she’s only 12, though she is training in acting.
6. What is Sitara’s Instagram handle?
Her official Instagram handle is @sitaraghattamaneni, with over 2.1 million followers.
7. What school does Sitara Ghattamaneni attend?
She studies at CHIREC International School in Hyderabad, Telangana.
8. Has Sitara faced any controversies?
In February 2024, she was a victim of cybercrime when an unidentified person created a fake Instagram account in her name, prompting a police investigation.
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