Priyanka Chopra wishes 'Bob' Mahesh Babu on birthday with unseen Varanasi pic

Priyanka Chopra shared an unseen Varanasi set photo to wish Mahesh Babu on his 51st birthday. The post arrived alongside Rudhra's first look, adding fresh buzz around SS Rajamouli's film.

In Short

• Mahesh Babu turns 51, Priyanka Chopra surprises him with a candid photo from Varanasi sets
• First look of Mahesh as Rudhra revealed, showing fierce and vulnerable sides
• SS Rajamouli describes Rudhra as a character with a larger purpose and dual nature

Mahesh Babu's 51st birthday came with a little Varanasi surprise from his co-star Priyanka Chopra. The actor shared an unseen picture with 'Bo' Mahesh from the sets of SS Rajamouli's upcoming film, giving fans a glimpse of the two actors together as the film continues its production.

Priyanka shared the candid photograph on her Instagram Stories on Saturday. The picture showed her sitting next to Mahesh Babu and appeared to have been taken during the film's shoot in Africa. Alongside the photograph, Priyanka wished Mahesh in her own style. “Happy Birthday Bob. Here's to going on the ultimate adventure with #Varanasi! @urstrulyMahesh,” she wrote.

The birthday wish came on the same day that the makers unveiled Mahesh's first look from the film. Introduced as Rudhra, his character was presented through two images. In one, Mahesh is seen sitting on a bamboo raft, while the other shows him standing in the middle of a wilderness.

Sharing the first look, the makers wrote, “Fierce isn't his only shade... RUDHRA in #Varanasi. @urstrulyMahesh.”

SS Rajamouli on Mahesh Babu's Rudhra

Rajamouli also offered an insight into Rudhra, describing him as a character driven by a larger purpose while balancing vulnerability with his fierce side.

“Rudhra was born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself. He carries a destiny he did not ask for. He is witty, he is vulnerable, and he is fierce. That is what Mahesh brought to him. Anyone can play fierce. Very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath,” the filmmaker said.

Later in the day, Mahesh thanked fans and colleagues for their birthday wishes. He also spoke about how close Varanasi is to him.

“Heart is full reading all your wishes. Truly overwhelmed in ways words can't express. A big thank you to all my well wishers, friends, colleagues and media for your beautiful wishes and blessings,” he wrote.

Addressing his fans, he added, “You have always been my constant love, strength and emotion. The love you continue to give me is something I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for.”

Mahesh also shared his excitement about the film, writing, “I promise to keep working hard and make you even prouder. #VARANASI is very close to my heart and I truly believe it's going to be something special. I can't wait for you all to experience it. Let's make this journey together.”

Here's his note:

More about Varanasi

Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha, the antagonist. The film marks Priyanka's return to Indian cinema after six years.

The project, directed by SS Rajamouli, is being mounted as a pan-India film and has been shot in multiple locations, including Africa. It is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027.

- Ends