Chandrababu Naidu mends
fences with Mohan Babu

In true filmi style, two childhood friends, who fell out with each other after tasting success in their respective professions, came together once again in a display of bonhomie with political overtones.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday surprised film and political circles in the state capital Hyderabad by participating in the mahurat of the maiden venture of renowned actor and director Mohan Babu's son Vishnuvardhan.

Chandrababu Naidu spent almost 45 minutes at the function where both the friends praised each other.

"He [Chandrababu] is my good friend. He was present when I launched my first venture in film production in 1982. When I decided to launch my son into films, I decided to call my old friend to seek his blessings for my son," Mohan Babu said.

Naidu did not lag behind saying the duo shared a long-standing friendship.

"He (Mohan Babu) has made a name in cinematic circles as a good actor. His son is not only a good student, but also a sportsperson. I wish him success in his maiden venture," he said.

Film and political circles are surprised by the turn of events.

Before their friendship turned sour, Mohan Babu and Naidu were business partners in a company called Heritage Foods. Babu was elected to the Rajya Sabha on a Telugu Desam Party ticket in 1995.

Mohan Babu was beside Naidu when he staged a coup against party founder and father-in-law N T Rama Rao in 1995.

However, in the years that followed they fell out with each other and Babu even went on to launch a crusade against what he called Naidu's 'hi-tech corruption'.

The falling out also had an effect on their business relations with Babu filing cases against Naidu regarding the affairs of Heritage Foods.

For some time, Babu also hobnobbed with the Anna Telugu Desam launched by Rama Rao's son Nandamuri Harikrishna, who had earlier parted ways with Naidu.

Following Thursday's function, there is speculation that Mohan Babu may be given the party ticket from the Chandragiri constituency in Chittor district for the 2004 assembly polls in a bid to cut the chief minister's estranged brother Nara Ramamurthy Naidu to size.