It is not uncommon for movie stars to be known by the names fans connect with most. Take Prabhas, for instance. He might play larger-than-life characters on the silver screen, but for his ardent fans, the admiration goes beyond cinema. And that’s exactly why they call him by the most endearing nickname. Telugu cinema’s top stars have earned monikers that often reflect their style, energy, or charm. Here is a list of your favorite Telugu stars and their endearing nicknames, some of which, we bet, you had no idea about!
Allu Arjun
For the rest of the world, he might be the ‘Pushpa’ star, but for those fans who have followed his journey from the beginning, he is their ‘Bunny’. Allu Arjun is affectionately called ‘Bunny’ by his fans. Wondering why? In 2005, he acted in the rom-com ‘Bunny’, in which he played the titular character. It was his third film as a lead actor, and the vibrant character struck a chord with the audience, earning him the nickname. He is also known as the ‘Stylish Star’ for his fashionable looks and exceptional dancing skills.Well, that’s not all. In Kerala, Allu Arjun is known as Mallu Arjun. ‘Mallu’ is an informal abbreviation for a Malayali. The ‘Pushpa’ actor has a massive fan base in Kerala, and the state is one of the biggest markets for his films after his home state.
Prabhas
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On the silver screen, you have seen him take down an entire clan, fight villains, and play a baddie. But off-screen, Prabhas comes across as a rather introverted and shy individual. He has a sweet personality off-screen, and it has touched his fans. No wonder they call him ‘Darling’! Fans have also given him another nickname—‘Young Rebel Star’. The title of ‘Rebel Star’ originally belonged to his uncle, the legendary actor Krishnam Raju, who starred in over 183 films from the 1970s up until ‘Rebel’ (2012), in which he played Prabhas’ father on screen. The movie emerged as a success, and Prabhas eventually inherited his uncle’s title, along with a ‘Young’ prefix.
Nani
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Nani’s nickname is perhaps the most poetic of the lot! What is the first thing that crosses your mind when you hear the name Nani? His acting feels effortless, relatable, and natural, which earned him the nickname ‘Natural Star’. The characters that Nani portrays are quite relatable and have an authenticity that resonates with fans.
Jr. NTR
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Jr. NTR, or N. T. Rama Rao Jr., is indeed a force of nature on screen. Ever since his debut in 2001 with ‘Ninnu Choodalani’, Jr. NTR has been conquering hearts with his characters. In 2007, he reunited with S. S. Rajamouli for ‘Yamadonga’, a fantasy actioner that earned him the nickname ‘Young Tiger’. His raw energy, fierce screen presence, and lineage have certainly contributed to the nickname.
Chiranjeevi
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Chiranjeevi, for audiences of Telugu cinema, is the ‘Megastar’. What makes him the ultimate star? He is one of the rare stars in the industry who can do it all. Be it mass entertainers or rooted films, he is known for his versatility. He delivers blockbuster performances, and, of course, his dancing skills fetched him the title. Interestingly, he was credited as the ‘Megastar’ instead of the ‘Supreme Star’ from the 1988 film ‘Marana Mrudangam’.
Nagarjuna Akkineni
Tollywood certainly has a ‘King’. Yes, that’s right, Nagarjuna is called the ‘King’. In 2008, he starred in a film titled ‘King’ and has been the uncrowned king of the industry ever since.
Pawan Kalyan
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Pawan Kalyan’s name is synonymous with power. Be it his on-screen characters or his off-screen persona, the actor represents all things powerful. His fans call him the ‘Power Star’ for the very same reason.
Mahesh Babu
Mahesh Babu is undoubtedly a charming star. And guess what his fans call him? The ‘Prince’! Yes, that’s right. The Telugu audience affectionately calls him the ‘Prince’. The nickname traces back to his debut and the charm he brought to the screen from day one.
Venkatesh
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V for Venkatesh and victory! You guessed it right. Venkatesh has the nickname ‘Victory’. Ever since his debut in 1986, Venkatesh has delivered blockbusters. This incredible success rate during his prime years in the industry made his name synonymous with victory.
Ravi Teja
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Ravi Teja has been working in the industry for over three and a half decades. He often chooses mass entertainers that blend action and humor in equal proportions. This is exactly why fans call him the ‘Mass Maharaja’.
