Babu Antony is an Indo-American actor and martial artist, who predominantly 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 Fifth Dan Black Belt in martial arts, he is the only martial arts expert actor in the Malayalam film industry to gain stardom by excelling in racy fight scenes.
Wiki/Biography
Babu Antony was born on Tuesday, 22 February 1966 (age 56 years; as of 2022) in Ponkunnam, Kerala, India. His zodiac sign is Pisces.
Babu Antony’s childhood picture
He did his schooling at Sacred Heart High School, Government Boys High School, and St. Dominic’s High School in Kanjirappally.
Babu Antony in his teens
Babu holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from the Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune. Good at sports since childhood, he began his training in martial arts at the age of six. Initially, he started practising kalarippayattu, an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in the southern state of Kerala. After moving to Pune for his post-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 martial arts forms. Later, he got 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 Antony breaking a tile on fire
Babu also captained the volleyball team and athletic team at the University of Pune during his graduation years. Later, he moved to the US and got settled with his family in Houston, Texas. He has learned martial arts from Sebastian Master.
Babu Antony with his first martial arts teacher Sebastian Master
Physical Appearance
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 84 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Brown
Family
Babu Antony belongs to a Christian family from Kerala.
Parents & Siblings
Babu Antony is the son of T. J. Antony and Mariyam Antony. He has an elder brother, Antony Thekkek (also known as Thampy Antony), who is an actor, writer, activist, producer, and architect. He also has an elder sister.
Babu Antony in childhood with his mother
Babu Antony’s brother
Babu Antony with his sister
Wife & Children
Babu is married to a Russian American pianist named Evgeniya Antony. Their marriage anniversary falls on 15 January. Together, they have two sons, Arthur Antony and Alex Antony. Both his sons are trained in martial arts. Arthur is also a holder of a Dan Black Belt in MMA. Arthur is an actor. He has also sung a song in the Malayalam film Philips and the Monkey Pen.
Babu Antony with his wife on their wedding day
Babu Antony and his wife
Babu Antony with his son Arthur Antony
Babu Antony with his son Alex Antony
Babu Antony and his family
Religion
As per his Facebook account, he follows Humanism.
Career
Babu Antony began his career as a cinematographer at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. For a few years, he even taught karate to missionaries in Pune. At FTII, the Malayalam film director Bharatan spotted him and offered him a role in a Malayalam film.
Babu Antony on a film set
Acting
Malayalam
Babu Antony made his acting debut in 1985 with the Malayalam film Shathru in which he played a small role. Next, he appeared in the films Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal (1986), Chilambu (1987), Vrutham (1987), and Veendum Lisa (1987). He came into the 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 went on a mission to seduce Rishyashrungan, the son of Maharshi Vibhandakan, and drive him to Chambapuri to perform a mahayagam to bring rain.
Babu Antony during the filming of Vaisali
He also proved his mettle in acting by playing an ex-terrorist role in Aparahnam and an impecunious role in Sayaahnam. Antony’s performance as an angry young man in films like Gandhari (1993), Bharanakoodam (1994), and Chantha (1995) built a huge fan following among the audience especially youngsters. Portraying negative characters with shoulder-level hair and heavy beard, Antony redefined the whole conception of a villain in the films. With his growing 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).
Babu Antony in Uthaman
Tamil
Babu made his Tamil film debut in 1987 with the film Poovizhi Vasalile in which he played the role of Ranjith. Subsequently, he appeared in many Tamil films including Makkal En Pakkam (1987), My Dear Lisa (1987), Anjali (1990), Surieyan (1992), and Airport (1993).
Babu Antony in a film
In 2022, he played the role of Rashtrakuta King in Mani Ratnam’s epic period action drama Ponniyin Selvan. Set up in the 10th century, the film depicts the story of a group of devout Pandya soldiers who frame a plan to avenge their King, Veerapandiyan, who was slain in battle by the Chola crown prince, Aditha Karikalan.
Ponniyin Selvan 2022
Telugu
Antony made his Telugu film debut in 1987 with the film Pasivadi Pranam. He played the role of Ranjith in the film. Some of his popular Telugu films include Jebu Donga (1987), Adavilo Abhimanyudu (1989), Lorry Driver (1990), Nippu Ravva (1993), and Ekaloveyudu (2008).
Lorry Driver poster
Kannada
Babu Antony made his Kannada film debut in 1991 with the film Shanti Kranti as Bob. Subsequently, 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 then appeared in the Hindi films Shanti Kranti (1991), Nayak: The Real Hero (2001), and Ekk Deewana Tha (2012).
Babu Antony in a film
English
In 2019, Babu Antony made his Hollywood debut with the film Bullets Blades and Blood.
Babu Antony in Bullets Blades and Blood
Martial Arts
Besides being an actor, Babu Antony is also a martial artist. He had taught martial arts to Papal Pontifical College, Pune, for several years.
Babu Antony practicing martial arts
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 named Babu Antony Schools of Martial Arts in GCC, which was founded in 2015. The school also has a branch in Missouri City, Texas, USA. In the school, the students are taught various forms of martial arts including karate, tai chi, and kung-fu.
Babu Antony teaching his students at Babu Antony School of Martial Arts
Car & Bike Collection
Babu Antony owns a Land Rover, an Audi Q3, and a Chevrolet Spark.
Babu Antony with his Land Rover
Babu Antony with his Audi Q3
Babu Antony talking about his Chevrolet car in an Instagram Post
He also owns a Royal Enfield Signals 350 bike.
Babu Antony riding his bike
Favourites
- Film Director: Mani Ratnam
- Food: Puttu And Kadala Curry
Facts/Trivia
- Antony loves to do painting and poetry in his leisure time.
- His family and friends fondly call him Bob.
- He follows a non-vegetarian diet.
- During an interview, Antony expressed that Mollywood is controlled by just a few people. He said,
When I emerged as a hero, there were times I had continuous hits in Malayalam. I also tasted success as a supporting actor in other languages. But there was a collective effort from a group in the Malayalam film industry to flush me out, which affected my career. About 20 projects got cancelled and it was a huge loss to many in the industry. This has been my experience and I feel, talking out 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.
Babu Antony on the cover of Grahalakshmi magazine
- He is often spotted consuming alcohol at various events.
Babu Antony with his friends
- Talking about his role of Sufi in the Malayalam film Thandavam, Antony wrote on social media,
One of my most enjoyed roles, called Sufi, working with Priyan (crash work) and Mohanlal, etc. In the film Thandavam directed by Shaji Kailas. There was a nice fight in the climax to joining hands with the hero to take the villain down. But the role never made it out of the editing table. This role would have given me a new lease of life in Malayalam movies as I had no movies then. Thank you fans for refreshing my memory.”
- Known for his quick punches, fast kicks, and fluid movements in action scenes, Antony has appeared in more than 200 films in five major Indian languages (Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada) as of 2022. Some of his films were also featured in national and international film festivals.
