A Father's Birthday Note

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu took to Instagram on Monday to wish his son Gautam Ghattamaneni on his 20th birthday. The actor shared a picture of the two walking together, accompanied by a heartfelt message.

"Happy 20 GG!! As you step into this new chapter, may you always chase your dreams with courage and kindness..... Proud of you today and every day.... @gautamghattamaneni," Mahesh Babu wrote.

Gautam, the eldest child of Mahesh Babu and former actress Namrata Shirodkar, also received a birthday shout-out from actress Shilpa Shirodkar, described as his "massi" (maternal aunt). Her Instagram post read: "Happy birthday to my wonderful man, my favourite child! I am so proud of the handsome, remarkable man you've grown into. I can't wait to watch you shine in this world. Never forget that I'll always be your biggest cheerleader. Love you so much, rockstar! @gautamghattamaneni."

Family and Education

Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar married in 2004. They are also parents to a daughter, Sitara Ghattamaneni. Gautam is currently pursuing a four-year integrated drama course at New York University, an institution known for its performing arts programs, according to The Times of India. He made a brief acting debut in 2014, playing the younger version of his father's character in the film "1: Nenokkadine."

Last year, on Gautam's 19th birthday, Mahesh Babu shared a nostalgic throwback picture of his son as a young boy, writing, "Happy 19 my son!! Each year you amaze me a little more…Missing your birthday this year, the only one i have ever missed… my love is with you every step of the way…. Always your biggest cheerleader in whatever you do… keep shining and keep growing…."

The Times of India reported that fans drew a parallel between the father-son duo and the characters Simba and Mufasa, a reference to Mahesh Babu's voice role in the Telugu version of Disney's "The Lion King." One fan commented, "Lion and his cub," while another wrote, "Happiest Birthday Simba......"

A Son's Earlier Tribute

Three weeks prior, Gautam had wished his father a happy birthday on social media, writing, "Happy Birthday, Nanna! Wishing you the best year ahead. Love you always! @urstrulymahesh." In response to the outpouring of birthday wishes he received, Mahesh Babu had expressed gratitude, saying, "Heart is full reading all your wishes. Truly overwhelmed in ways words can't express. A big thank you to all my well wishers, friends, colleagues and media for your beautiful wishes and blessings."

He also said, "I promise to keep working hard and make you even prouder. #VARANASI is very close to my heart and I truly believe it's going to be something special."

Upcoming Film 'Varanasi'

Mahesh Babu is currently working on the film "Varanasi," directed by S. Rajamouli, with Priyanka Chopra among the cast. The film is written by Vijayendra Prasad and features music by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, as reported by Deccan Chronicle. Sources cited by Lokmat Times describe it as a globe-trotting, century-spanning epic in which one man's journey takes him from the sacred waters of India to distant lands. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.