Babu Antony is an Indo-American actor and martial artist, who mostly works in the Malayalam film industry. He is best known for appearing in the Malayalam films Vaishali (1989), Aparahnam (1991), and Uppukandam Brothers (1993). A Black And Fifth Belt in martial arts, he is the only martial arts expert actor in the Malayalam film industry who rose to fame by excelling in unrewarding fight scenes.
Wiki/Biography
Babu Antony was born on Tuesday, 22 February 1966 (age 56 years; in 2022) in Ponkunnam, Kerala, India. His zodiac sign is Pisces.
He attended Sacred Heart High School, Government Boys High School, and St. Dominic in Kanjirapally.
Babu holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune. Good at sports since childhood, he started martial arts training at the age of six. Initially, he began practicing kalarippayattu, an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in the southern state of Kerala. After moving to Pune for his graduation, Antony continued to hone his skills. He received mixed martial arts training from some of the best masters in the city. While in Pune, he learned karate and other forms of martial arts. Later, he trained in various forms of martial arts including mixed martial arts (MMA), kung-fu, taekwondo, aikido, jiu-jitsu, judo, kickboxing, and western boxing under various renowned Indian and international trainers.
Babu also captained the volleyball team and athletics team at Pune University during his graduation years. Later, he moved to the US and settled with his family in Houston, Texas. He had learned martial arts from Sebastian Master.
Physical appearance
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 84 kg
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Family
Babu Antony belongs to a Christian family from Kerala.
Parents & Siblings
Babu Antony is the son of TJ Antony and Mariyam Antony. He has an older brother, Antony Thekkek (also known as Thampy Antony), who is an actor, writer, activist, producer, and architect. He also has an older sister.
Wife & Children
Babu married a Russian American pianist named Evgeniya Antony. Their wedding anniversary falls on January 15. Together, they have two sons, Arthur Antony and Alex Antony. Both of his sons are trained in martial arts. Arthur is also a Dan Black Belt holder in MMA. Arthur is an actor. He has also sung a song in the Malayalam film Philips and the Monkey Pen.
religion
According to his Facebook account, he follows Humanism.
Career
Babu Antony started his career as a cinematographer at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. For several years, he also taught karate to missionaries in Pune. At FTII, Malayalam film director Bharatan saw her and offered her a role in a Malayalam film.
acting
Malayalam
Babu Antony made his acting debut in 1985 with the Malayalam film Shathru in which he played a minor role. Next, he appeared in the films Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal (1986), Chilambu (1987), Vrutham (1987), and Veendum Lisa (1987). He came into limelight with the film Vaisali (1988) in which he played the role of Lomapadhan. Directed and edited by Bharathan, the film is a period drama that revolves around a devadasi girl named Vaisali who goes on a mission to woo Rishyashrungan, son of Maharshi Vibhandakan, and drive him to Chambapuri to perform mahayagam to bring rain.
He also proved his prowess in acting by playing an ex-terrorist in Aparahnam and a misfit in Sayaahnam. Antony’s performance as an angry youth in films like Gandhari (1993), Bharanakoodam (1994), and Chantha (1995) built a huge fan following among the audience especially the youth. Portraying a negative character with shoulder-length hair and a bushy beard, Antony redefined the entire concept of a villain in films. With his increasing popularity among the audience, several directors approached him with lead roles. Some of his other popular Malayalam films include Uthaman (2001), Thandavam (2002), Vajram (2004), Sambhu (2009), and Christian Brothers (2011).
Tamil language
Babu made his Tamil film debut in 1987 with the film Poovizhi Vasalile in which he played the role of Ranjith. After that, he appeared in many Tamil films including Makkal En Pakkam (1987), My Dear Lisa (1987), Anjali (1990), Surieyan (1992), and Airport (1993).
In 2022, he played the Rashtrakuta King in Mani Ratnam’s epic period action drama Ponniyin Selvan. Set in the 10th century, the film depicts the story of a group of devout Pandya soldiers who hatch a plan to avenge their King, Veerapandiyan, who was killed in battle by the Chola crown prince, Aditha Karikalan.
Telugu
Antony made his Telugu film debut in 1987 with the film Pasivadi Pranam. He played the role of Ranjith in the film. Some popular Telugu films include Jebu Donga (1987), Adavilo Abhimanyudu (1989), Truck Driver (1990), Nippu Ravva (1993), and Ekaloveyudu (2008).
Kannada
Babu Antony made his Kannada film debut in 1991 with the film Shanti Kranti as Bob. After that, he appeared in the Kannada films Ravivarma (1992), Yuvasakthi (1997), and Kalpana (2012).
Hindi
In 1988, Babu Antony played the role of Ranjit in the film Hatya, marking his Hindi film debut. He later appeared in the Hindi films Shanti Kranti (1991), Nayak: The Real Hero (2001), and Ekk Deewana Tha (2012).
English
In 2019, Babu Antony made his Hollywood debut with the film Bullets Blades and Blood.
Martial art
Apart from being an actor, Babu Antony is also a martial artist. He has taught martial arts at the Pontifical College, Pune, for several years.
Later, he introduced many forms of martial arts to the South Indian film industry, especially the Malayalam film industry. Antony owns a martial arts school called Babu Antony Schools of Martial Arts in GCC, which was founded in 2015. The school also has a branch in Missouri City, Texas, USA. At the school, students are taught various forms of martial arts including karate, tai chi, and kung-fu.
Car & Bike Collection
Babu Antony owns Land Rover, Audi Q3 and Chevrolet Spark.
He also owns a Royal Enfield Signals 350 motorcycle.
Favourite
- Film Director: Mani Ratnam
- Food: Puttu And Kadala Curry
Facts/Trivia
- Antony likes to draw and write poetry in his spare time.
- His family and friends like to call him Bob.
- He follows a non-vegetarian diet.
- During an interview, Antony stated that Mollywood is controlled by only a few people. He said,
When I appeared as a hero, there were times when I got continuous hits in Malayalam. I also found success as a supporting actor in other languages. But there was a collective effort from groups in the Malayalam film industry to get rid of me, which affected my career. About 20 projects have been canceled and it is a huge loss to many in the industry. This is my experience and I think, talking about it is the right thing to do. I survived only because of the audience and some genuine filmmakers.”
- In 2022, Antony, along with his wife and children, was featured on the cover of Grahalakshmi, a popular women’s magazine.
- He is often seen consuming alcohol at various events.
- Talking about his role as a Sufi in the Malayalam film Thandavam, Antony wrote on social media,
One of my favorite roles, called Sufi, worked with Priyan (accident work) and Mohanlal, etc. In the movie Thandavam directed by Shaji Kailas. There is an exciting fight at the climax to join hands with the heroes to bring down the villain. But the role never left the editing table. This role will give me a new lease of life in Malayalam films as I had no films then. Thank you fans for refreshing my memory.”
- Known for his quick punches, quick kicks and fluid movements in action scenes, Antony has appeared in over 200 films in five major Indian languages (Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada) in 2022. Some of his films have also been featured in national and international film festivals.
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI