January 26, 2007
Hyderabad

I am feeling glad that I got this award when Telugu cinema industry is celebrating 75 years. Out of 75 years, I am associated with the film industry for 42 years. I worked in direction department for 10 years and then worked as an actor for 32 years. I always feel that whatever good happens to me is because of the blessings of God. I always did my best and left the results to God. I worship my work.

Born in a small village Modugula (between Tirupati and Sri Kalahasti), I belong to a middle class agricultural family. We are five siblings. My father wanted me to complete my graduation first. I went to Madras and trained at VMC physical education training institute. Then I joined as a drillmaster in a school with the help of BR Reddy.

I always wanted to become an actor. Since I was working in T Nagar, it rekindled my desire to join films. People from different castes used to work with me in the school. One colleague with his politics based on caste got me out of my job.

At that time, I was introduced to actor Tyagaraju. I met actor Prabhakar Reddy and director Lakshmi Deepak through him. Lakshmi Deepak appointed me as an apprentice in the direction department for his film ‘Kuthuru Kodalu’. I worked in the direction department for 10 years with various big directors. I also acted in small roles.

I met my guru Dasari Narayana Rao in 1975. He changed my name from Bhaktavatsalam Naidu to Mohan Babu. From then on, I did roles of villain, character actor and hero with various directors and producers.

In 1982, I started my home banner ‘Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures’ and anna garu NT Rama Rao launched it. First film of my home banner was Pratigna, which was a big hit. I started making many more films with my home banner since then. NTR made me a Rajyasabha MP. I feel sad that NTR is not here today to see vajrostavalu. NTR’s last film Major Chandrakanth was with our home banner.

I was barred from a college due to my caste. Hence, I wanted to start a school that does not care about caste and religion. Sri Vidya Niketan is running as a model school with 6000 students and 965 staff members. We have education from first class to engineering in this college. We are giving free education to 25% of the students.

I would like to thank all the people who helped me in reaching this position. Padma Sri award has increased my responsibility towards film industry and society.

More about Mohan Babu:

1. Number of films acted in: 510
2. Number of films as producer: 47
3. Present films as actor: Yama role in Yama Donga
4. Present films as producer: Manoj – Surya Kiran combination film
5. Future films: will act in a family oriented film to be directed by Muthyala Subbaiah
6. Future plans: want to create awareness about health risks like HIV and Dengue.