Lakshmi Manchu recently reflected on the layered emotional strain and professional weight she has long carried as the daughter of Telugu cinema veteran Mohan Babu. During an in-depth interaction with Hauterrfly, the actor-producer discussed the complicated blend of patriarchy, expectation, and inherited responsibility that has shaped her journey. When asked whether being raised in the shadow of an exceptionally accomplished father intensified pressure, Lakshmi acknowledged that the weight never really disappears.
She noted that the expectations were not confined to her early years—rather, they persist as strongly today as ever. Although she is frequently reminded of her own significant achievements as a performer, creator, and award-winning artiste, she admitted that the heaviness of legacy is not easy to detach from, especially in an industry deeply tied to tradition and hierarchy.
Learning to Adapt Instead of Confront
Lakshmi recounted the phase when she attempted to push back against the structured norms she grew up with. She once carried the desire to prove others wrong but eventually realised that forcing transformation on people who do not want to change is an exhausting, futile effort. She explained that it became important to adjust her own approach—choosing to move through entrenched systems rather than constantly clash with them. Coming from a household dominated by male performers added another layer of complexity. She revealed that every professional choice brings an unspoken responsibility, prompting her to wonder how her decisions may reflect on the men in her family.Lakshmi also shared that she grew up battling feelings of inadequacy, often being told she would amount to nothing on her own. She eventually embraced that perceived emptiness as a place to rebuild herself, deciding that starting from “nothingness” meant she could only rise.
Confronting Gendered Barriers in the Industry
While reflecting on the belief that many male actors in the South hesitate to encourage their daughters or sisters to enter films, Lakshmi admitted that the mindset remains strongly embedded. She questioned how few daughters of male actors are visible on screen, highlighting the lack of representation. She praised Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar’s daughter, Sitara, for her growing presence and credited Namrata’s progressive leadership at home for empowering Sitara and inspiring many young girls to explore their ambitions freely.“If Namrata and Mahesh don’t bring their daughter out, I’ll beat both of them,” she joked.
Mahesh Babu is busy filming SS Rajamouli's (best known for RRR and Baahubali) magnum opus Varanasi. The film will also mark Priyanka Chopra's comeback to Indian cinema after six years. The movie will hit theatres in 2027.