Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Mahesh Babu turns 51 as Varanasi unveils Rudhra first look
A very famous movie star named Mahesh Babu just turned 51.
His friend and co-star Priyanka Chopra celebrated his birthday on the internet.
She shared a secret behind-the-scenes picture of the two of them from their new movie.
The movie is called Varanasi and is directed by SS Rajamouli.
On the same day, the movie team showed off what Mahesh's character, named Rudhra, looks like.
Rudhra is a fierce but also vulnerable hero with a big destiny he did not ask for.
The movie was filmed in Africa, near the mountain Kilimanjaro and in a place called Masai Mara.
It is being shot for giant IMAX screens.
This is Priyanka Chopra's first Indian movie in six years.
Fans are excited to see the stars together in this adventure film.
Mahesh Babu turned 51 on August 9, with co-star Priyanka Chopra sharing an unseen behind-the-scenes photo from the sets of 'Varanasi' to wish him.
In her Instagram Stories post, Priyanka wrote: 'Happy Birthday Bob. Here's to going on the ultimate adventure with #Varanasi!'
The makers unveiled Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra with two images: one seated on a bamboo raft and one standing amid the wilderness.
Director SS Rajamouli said Rudhra is 'witty, vulnerable, and fierce,' with the frames shot around Kilimanjaro and Masai Mara in Africa in a 1.43:1 IMAX frame.
'Varanasi' marks Priyanka Chopra's return to Indian cinema after six years; she plays Mandakini, Prithviraj Sukumaran plays antagonist Kumbha, and the film is expected to release on April 7, 2027.
- Who
- Actor Mahesh Babu, who turned 51; co-star Priyanka Chopra; director SS Rajamouli; and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran.
- What
- Priyanka Chopra shared an unseen behind-the-scenes photo to wish Mahesh Babu a happy birthday, and the makers of SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' unveiled his first look as Rudhra.
- When
- August 9, Mahesh Babu's 51st birthday.
- Where
- The photo and first-look frames came from the film's Africa schedule, shot around Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara.
- Why
- To celebrate Mahesh Babu's birthday and reveal the first look of his character for the upcoming film 'Varanasi'.
- Celebrity
- Mahesh Babu
- Age
- 51 (turned on August 9)
- Film
- Varanasi
- Director
- SS Rajamouli
- Mahesh Babu's role
- Rudhra
- Priyanka Chopra's role
- Mandakini
- Prithviraj Sukumaran's role
- Kumbha (antagonist)
- Expected release
- April 7, 2027
