Born as Naveen Babu Ghanta, Nani began his career as a Radio Jockey with the program Nonstop Nani at World Space Satellite Radio.
. He started his film career as a clap-assistant to legendary director late Bapu for Radha Gopalam (2005) and worked as an assistant director for films like Allari Pidugu, Dhee, and Asthram, etc beforHe made his acting debut with Ashta Chemma (2008).Nani rose to fame with the success of his close friend and director Nandini Reddy's rom-com, Ala Modalaindi.He made his mark in the industry with several hits like Pilla Zamindar (2011), Yevade Subramanyam, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015).Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha, Gentleman (2016) were also his succesful ventures.Nani has exposed his versatility with roles like in Nenu Local (2017), Ninnu Kori (2017), Middle Class Abbayi (2017), and Jersey (2019).In a bid to encourage new talent and to give back to the industry that made him what he is today, Nani turned producer with D for Dopidi and Awe. His upcoming production Hit is ready for release.Nani also turned a television presenter with the second season of the popular reality show Bigg Boss (Telugu) in 2018.Nani won numerous awards including the Nandi Award for Best Actor for Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu (2013), the Telugu version of Nee Dhaane En Ponvasantham.He made his debut in Tamil with his friend Anjana's debut directorial, Veppam(2011).Nani also starred in director SS Rajamouli's live-action entertainer Eega (2012). Shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil, the film fetched him Best Hero award at 8th Toronto After Dark Film Festival.On many occasions, Nani credited legendary director Mani Ratnam for making him realise his love for cinema. He also regrets missing out on working with him in a couple of films due to date issues.Upon Mani's request, Nani dubbed for Dulquer Salmaan for the Telugu version of Ok Bangaram.He has lent his voice for the National Award-winning documentary Amoli: Priceless (2018) and Jon Favreau's animated musical film The Lion King (2019) for Simba's character.In a career spanning over 12 years, Nani played the dual role thrice in films like Janda Pai Kapiraju (2015), Gentleman (2016) and Krishnarjuna Yuddham (2018).His upcoming film V, an action-thriller directed by Indraganti Mohan Krishna, is releasing on March 25.After Janda Pai Kapiraju, the actor once again plays a character with grey shades in the film also starring Sudheer Babu, Nivetha Thomas, and Aditi Rao Hydari.