Superstar Mahesh Babu has often attracted attention for his fitness, youthful appearance and disciplined lifestyle. At 51, the actor continues to be one of Telugu cinema’s most recognisable stars, and his food choices have become a subject of curiosity among fans.
One particular dietary revelation recently drew attention: Mahesh Babu said he avoids dairy and therefore does not eat curd rice, a staple enjoyed across South India.
However, his comments do not mean that curd rice is inherently unhealthy. The nutritional impact of the dish can vary depending on the ingredients, portion size and an individual’s tolerance to dairy.
Mahesh Babu explains why he avoids curd rice
During an interview, Mahesh was asked to choose between a burger, pastry and curd rice. Rather than selecting one of the three, the actor said he avoids all of them.
“I don’t eat any of these. I avoid dairy and don’t eat bread, so no burger. It’s been a long time since I stopped eating these. But I may enjoy my sweet, sometime. Very rare,” Mahesh said.
His response led to renewed interest in his eating habits, particularly because fans frequently associate his youthful appearance with his disciplined approach to food and fitness.
Mahesh has also spoken about maintaining a relatively health-conscious lifestyle, although individual dietary choices should not automatically be treated as a universal formula for healthy ageing.
Does avoiding curd rice make you look younger?
Not necessarily.
A person’s skin health and ageing process are influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, sun exposure, sleep, physical activity, nutrition, stress, smoking and alcohol consumption, among others.
Commenting on Mahesh’s diet, US-based gastroenterologist Dr Palaniappan Manickam discussed the possible relationship between vegetables, gut health and inflammation in a video.
He explained that fibre from vegetables can support beneficial gut bacteria, which play an important role in overall health.
Dr Manickam referred to the gut-skin axis, the concept that interactions between the gut microbiome and the body’s systems may have an influence on skin health.
However, this does not establish that avoiding curd rice—or dairy generally—is responsible for Mahesh Babu’s appearance.
Is curd rice actually unhealthy?
For most people, curd rice can be part of a balanced diet.
Curd, or yoghurt, provides nutrients including protein and calcium, while rice supplies carbohydrates. Depending on how it is prepared, the dish can also be accompanied by vegetables, herbs, spices or other nutritious ingredients.
The key consideration is individual dietary tolerance.
People with lactose intolerance may experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas or diarrhoea after consuming dairy products. However, yoghurt can sometimes be better tolerated than milk because fermentation reduces some of its lactose content.
People with a milk allergy are different: they may need to avoid dairy altogether because the issue involves an immune response to milk proteins rather than lactose intolerance.
Therefore, someone who feels uncomfortable after eating curd rice should not necessarily conclude that the dish itself is unhealthy. The underlying reason may be an intolerance, allergy, portion size or another dietary factor.
What about the gut-skin connection?
The relationship between the gut and skin has become an increasingly discussed area of research.
Dietary fibre supports the gut microbiome, while a varied diet containing vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods can contribute to overall health.
Inflammation is also relevant to several chronic conditions, and nutrition can influence inflammatory processes.
But the evidence should be interpreted carefully. Eating vegetables does not guarantee younger-looking skin, and avoiding one particular food does not automatically prevent ageing.
Mahesh Babu’s diet is therefore best understood as a personal choice rather than a prescription for everyone.
Mahesh Babu’s approach is about personal preference
The actor’s comments primarily establish that he has chosen to avoid dairy and bread for a long period.
His decision may work for his personal lifestyle, but dietary requirements differ substantially from one person to another.
For someone who enjoys curd rice and tolerates dairy without problems, there is no general reason to eliminate the dish simply because Mahesh Babu does not eat it.
A balanced diet with adequate protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, combined with regular physical activity and sufficient sleep, is generally more meaningful for long-term health than focusing on a single food.
Mahesh Babu’s next project
Mahesh Babu is currently preparing for SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film Varanasi.
The project stars Mahesh in the lead role alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Chopra plays Mandakini, while Mahesh is set to headline the ambitious adventure film.
With the movie attracting significant attention ahead of its planned 2027 release, interest in Mahesh’s fitness and lifestyle is likely to remain high.
For now, his curd-rice comments offer an interesting glimpse into his personal dietary choices—but they should not be mistaken for evidence that curd rice is dangerous or unhealthy for everyone.
