Birthday Special: 7 smashing solo songs of superstar Mahesh Babu
One among the most handsome and stylish actors in the entire country, Mahesh Babu turns 43 today. Debuted as a child artist in 1979, the youngest son of popular Telugu superstar Krishna starred in nine movies before calling it quits, to focus on studies. Almost a decade later, at the age of 24, Mahesh Babu entered the film scene as the male lead with ‘Raja Kumarudu’.
It didn’t take much time for the talented star to carve out a niche in Telugu cinema with frequent super-hits like ‘Murari’, ‘Okkadu’, ‘Athadu’, ‘Pokiri’, etc. With 24 flicks in almost 20 years, the ‘Srimanthudu’ actor never shied away in portraying different roles irrespective of the film’s result. The 2002 western action film ‘Takkari Donga’ and the 2004 fantasy comedy ‘Naani’ are perfect examples of that.
Despite the massive star image and larger-than-life persona, Mahesh is gentle and always grounded in his personal as well as professional space. After the blockbuster success of ‘Bharat Ane Nenu’ early this year, the superstar is gearing up for his 25th flick ‘Maharshi’. The first look teaser of the film was released on the occasion of his birthday today.
On this special day, here are a few solo songs of Mahesh Babu which rocked the celluloid big-time.
‘Bollywood Balaraju… ‘- ‘Raja Kumarudu’
Composed by Mani Sharma and crooned by Shankar Mahadevan, this fast-beat introductory song of Mahesh Babu from ‘Raja Kumarudu’ was a chartbuster in 1999. Starring Preity Zinta as the heroine with Prakash Raj in a prominent role, the K Raghavendra Rao directorial was a good hit at the box-office. The song features fine dance moves with a large group of dancers in the background.
‘Dum Dum Dum’ – ‘Murari’
This fast-paced village song from Krishna Vamsi’s supernatural drama ‘Murari’ was a huge hit in 2001. Sung by Shankar Mahadevan, the Mani Sharma musical boarded exceptional dance steps from Mahesh Babu with terrific support from background dancers. The film has an ensemble cast including Bollywood beauty Sonali Bendre who played the female lead opposite the Prince.
‘Nalugurikee Nachinadi’ – ‘Takkari Donga’
This solo song from Mahesh Babu’s 2002 cowboy film ‘Takkari Donga’ was an instant hit among the audience with some brilliant lyrics and splendid choreography. Despite a disaster at the ticket windows, the Jayanth C. Paranjee directorial was highly appreciated for the wonderful songs and mind-boggling action sequences. Renowned singer Shankar Mahadevan has sung this number.
‘Hare Rama’ (Okkadu)
The peppy number from 2003 blockbuster ‘Okkadu’ turned into a sensation within no time. Majorly focused on Hindu Gods Rama and Krishna, ‘Hare Rama’ showed a lively Mahesh matching his expressions and steps to the thought-provoking lyrics. The Mani Sharma musical has been helmed by Gunasekhar with Bhumika Chawla and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles.
‘Adharaka’ – ‘Athadu’
Sung by Viswa and Suchithra, the situational solo song from the 2005 super-hit ‘Athadu’ depicts how a young boy named Nandu (Mahesh Babu) turns into a professional killer. It comes in the background of the initial titles. The action thriller was directed by Trivikram Srinivas with an ensemble star cast including Trisha, Sonu Sood, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Nassar, and Prakash Raj.
‘Jagadame’ – ‘Pokiri’
‘Jagadame’ is the introductory number of superstar Mahesh Babu in the 2006 industry-hit ‘Pokiri’ directed by Puri Jagannadh. Crooned by Hindi singer Kunal Ganjawala with music composed by Mani Sharma, the mass number shows the characterisation of a remorseless gangster named Pandu (Mahesh) in Hyderabad. It was a super success on the silver screen after release.
‘Nee Dookudu’ – ‘Dookudu’
Mahesh was outstanding in this energetic number sung by Shankar Mahadevan in the 2011 action-comedy ‘Dookudu’. Displaying his character as a tough and fearless cop, the song features some terrific choreography and S. Thaman’s lively music. Along with ‘Nee Dookudu’, another song ‘Guruvaram’ was also well shot in some splendid locales.
