'At home, Mahesh Babu is just dad, not a superstar': Wife Namrata Shirodkar reveals 3 values they want to instil in their kids and it's not wealth

For millions of fans, Mahesh Babu is a larger-than-life star with unmatched screen presence and a loyal fan base across the world. Known for his charm and calm personality, he commands both mass appeal and family audiences, something many actors aspire to achieve. Yet, away from the arc lights and blockbuster celebrations, his life at home looks very different. The actor is currently shooting for the highly anticipated movie Varanasi.

What values do Mahesh and Namrata want in their kids?

In a recent candid chat with TOI, his wife Namrata Shirodkar gave us a glimpse into their family life and the values they prioritise while raising their children, Gautham and Sitara. Speaking about how fame is handled within their home, Namrata said, “Fame is something they are aware of, but it is not the centre of their lives. At home, Mahesh is just ‘dad’, not a superstar. We want them to grow up respecting people for who they are, not what they represent.”

Her words underline the first core value they want to instil in their children, humility. Despite being born into privilege, Gautham and Sitara are being raised to understand that respect is earned through character, not status. The couple has consciously created a clear line between their public and private lives, ensuring their children experience as normal a childhood as possible.



Education is another priority in their household. Gautham is currently studying at New York University, as they want him to explore the world. Mahesh has earlier expressed his desire to let his son discover his own path without pressure. Namrata wanted the same things when she said, “We want our children to have their own identity. The film industry is just one of the possibilities; it’s not a necessity.”

The third value they focus on is kindness and empathy. Namrata has often spoken about allowing children to make mistakes and learn from them rather than shielding them completely. She quipped, "Children should not carry the weight of their parents’ fame. They deserve privacy to make mistakes and learn.” Mahesh, too, has emphasised that character outlives stardom. According to him, respect, empathy and humility are far more important than celebrity status.

While their son has largely stayed away from the film world, Sitara has made selective public appearances through advertisements and dance performances. However, her parents remain careful that her exposure remains balanced and passion-driven, not fame-driven.

Mahesh Babu's work front

Beyond family life, Mahesh continues to stay busy professionally. He is currently working on the much-anticipated film SSMB29, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, alongside Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The ambitious project is slated to release on April 7, 2027.

But no matter how big the film or how loud the applause, at home, as Namrata says, he remains just a father.