Manchu Manoj was born on 20 May 1983,[2][3] to Telugu film actor Mohan Babu and Nirmala Devi.[4] He has two elder paternal half-siblings, Lakshmi Manchu, and Vishnu, who are both actors and producers.[5]
Career
Manoj worked as a child actor in films starring his father Mohan Babu and is shown in flashbacks.
He debuted in the 2004 film Donga Dongadi. In 2005, he appeared in Sri and next in Raju Bhai (2007). His film Nenu Meeku Telusa? was an average grosser, but was known for its melodious music. In 2009, his first film Prayanam, under the direction of Chandra Sekhar Yeleti did moderately well. His first film in 2010, Bindaas, turned out to be the biggest hit of his career. Another film in 2010, Vedam, was a critical and commercial success. He gained accolades for his role in Vedam. In 2012, he starred in Mr. Nookayya and Uu Kodathara? Ulikki Padathara?. In March 2013, he announced 5 films.[6] His subsequent releases were Potugadu, Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda and Current Theega.[7] After taking a long break from films, in January 2023, Manchu Manoj announced his first film in 6 years titled What The Fish directed by Vishnu and produced by Six Studios.[8][9]
Personal life
In May 2015, Manoj married his girlfriend Pranathi Reddy.[10] In 2017, Manoj started a foundation called Manoj Kumar's Unity to collect funds for the development of farmers.[11] He remarried on 3 March 2023 to the youngest daughter of Bhuma Nagi Reddy and Shobha Nagi Reddy, Bhuma Mounika, both former Members of the Legislative Assembly.[12] Mounika has a 5-6 years old son from her previous marriage.[13] On 13 April 2024, Manoj and Mounika announced that they were blessed with a baby girl.[14] On December 2024, Manoj had a long dispute with his father and elder brother over the properties owned by their father.[15]
Legal issues
In December 2024, the Delhi High Court passed an interim order restraining Manoj Manchu from publishing or disseminating allegedly defamatory statements against media professional Vinay Maheshwari on social media or other public platforms. The court observed that certain statements made by Manchu, including posts on social media, were prima facie defamatory and could cause lasting harm to Maheshwari’s reputation. The court also directed the removal of related articles and content published by various media outlets while the matter remains under consideration.[16][17]
