On this day, some 35 years ago, Bhaktavatsalam Naidu, made his debut into the Telugu film industry. Don’t try to recollect all the names you know in the Telugu film industry as he is well-known as ‘Mohanbabu’.

Bhaktavasalam Naidu, who was an assistant director, was told to go on screen by the then director Dr Dasari Narayana Rao who rechristened his name as Mohanbabu. His debut film ‘Swargam-Narakam’ had hit the screen on November 22 in 1975. Realising that only some speciality would make people remember him forever, he introduced a different dialogue modulation on his own and earned the title ‘Dialogue King’. He did versatile characters in his 35-year-long career.

So far, people identify villains with the names Rajanala, Kaikala Satyanarayana and Rao Gopala Rao. But with the entry of Mohanbabu, he earned a place by their side as a young villain.

Later, he proved that he could play a hero also with ‘Ketugadu’. He gave big five super hits in the 90s like ‘Alludugaru, Assembly Rowdy, Allari Mogudu, Rowdygari Pellam, Brahma’. These films earned record collections and he was given a new title ‘Collection King’.

His biggest hit and blockbuster in his career is ‘Pedarayudu’ released in 1995. It created lots of sensation during those days. Mohanbabu played different characters in more than 510 films in his 35-year-long career.

Not only as an artiste, he also turned a producer and produced over 50 films on the banner of Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures. At the same time, he had established Sri Vidya Nikethan in Tirupati and is doing yeoman service to the education sector.

The Indian government felicitated Mohanbabu with ‘Padma Shri’ award in 2007 for his services to the film industry. Both his sons turned heroes, while his daughter Lakshmi Prasanna is producing films. She had also signed a few films to make onscreen presence after hosting some events on the small screen.