Rahul Dev on Mahesh Babu's Bollywood Comment
Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu, one of the biggest stars in India, enjoys a massive following in northern states thanks to dubbed versions of his films. Despite his pan-India appeal, he has never acted in a Hindi film. Recently, actor Rahul Dev weighed in on why Mahesh Babu might have once famously remarked, “Bollywood can't afford him.”
Rahul Dev's Insights on Mahesh Babu's Statement
Rahul Dev, who worked with Mahesh Babu in the 2002 film Takkari Donga, shared his thoughts during an interview with Hindi Rush. He discussed Mahesh Babu's journey in Telugu cinema and noted that director Trivikram Srinivas and Mahesh Babu created films that resonated deeply with audiences. According to Rahul Dev, their movies successfully blended commercial entertainment with sensible storytelling—a quality he finds missing in Hindi cinema. He observed that Bollywood often swings between dark, intense films and remakes of Hollywood movies.
When asked about Mahesh Babu's old statement that Bollywood “can’t afford” him, Rahul Dev smiled and responded, “Unko zuban nahi aati, sahi baat toh ye hai.” He explained that the real reason might simply be that Mahesh Babu is not comfortable speaking Hindi.
Mahesh Babu's Previous Remarks on Bollywood
For context, Mahesh Babu had earlier addressed Bollywood during the trailer launch of Adivi Sesh's film Major. At the event, he openly stated that he had received numerous Hindi film offers but never felt the need to move there. He said, “I may sound arrogant, but I did get a lot of offers in Hindi. But I think they can't afford me. I don't want to waste my time.” He also emphasized that he already receives immense love and stardom in Telugu cinema and feels content working there.
Mahesh Babu's Upcoming Film
On the work front, Mahesh Babu is collaborating with acclaimed director SS Rajamouli on the global project Varanasi. The film also features global icon Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in leading roles. It is scheduled for release on April 7, 2027.
