Manoj Manchu

Manchu Manoj Kumar (born 20 May 1983) is an Indian actor who works in Telugu cinema. He first appeared at the age of ten as a child artist in Major Chandrakanth. He made his film debut in a leading role with Donga Dongadi in 2004. He received the state Nandi Special Jury Award for his performance in box-office success Bindaas. He also starred in Vedam (2010), Potugadu (2013), and Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda (2014).

Early life Manchu Manoj was born on 20 May 1983, to Telugu film actor Mohan Babu and Nirmala Devi. He has two elder paternal half-siblings, Lakshmi Manchu, and Vishnu, who are both actors and producers.

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. His subsequent releases were Potugadu, Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda and Current Theega. 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.

Personal life In May 2015, Manoj married his girlfriend Pranathi Reddy. In 2017, Manoj started a foundation called Manoj Kumar's Unity to collect funds for the development of farmers. 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. Mounika has a son from her previous marriage. On 13 April 2024, Manoj and Mounika announced that they were blessed with a baby girl. In December 2024, Manoj had a long dispute with his father and elder brother over the properties owned by their father.

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.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes 1993 Major Chandrakanth Major Chandrakanth's grandson Child actor 1994Punya Bhoomi Naa Desamyoung Bharath 1997 Adavilo Anna Manoj 1998 Khaidi Garu Raju Raayudu As presenter 2004 Donga Dongadi Vasu CineMAA Awards Best Male Debut 2005 Political Rowdy Dancer Special appearance; also presenter Sri Sri 2007 Raju Bhai Raju Bhai 2008 Nenu Meeku Telusa? Adithya Also stunt coordinator 2009 Prayanam Dhruv 2010 Bindaas Ajay Nandi Special Jury Award Vedam Vivek Chakravarthy Jhummandi Naadam Balu 2012 Mr. Nookayya Nookayya Also lyricist Uu Kodathara? Ulikki Padathara? Manoj 2013 Potugadu Govindu Also lyricist 2014 Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda Ajay Also producer Current Theega Raju A day in the life of Lakshmi Manchu's feet Himself Short film 2015 Dongaata Special appearance Superstar Kidnap 2016 Shourya Shourya Attack Radha Krishna 2017 Gunturodu Kanna Okkadu Migiladu Surya and Peter Dual role 2018 Idi Naa Love Story Himself Cameo appearance Operation 2019 Police officer 2025 Bhairavam Gajapathi Varma Mirai Mahabir Lama / The Black Sword Filming

Television Year Title Role Network 20232024 Ustaad Host ETV Win