Babu Antony

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Babu Antony is an Indian-American actor, who mainly works in Malayalam cinema. He is popularly known for playing a king in the Malayalam film Vaishali (1989), an ex-terrorist role in the Malayalam film Aparahnam, and an impecunious role in the Malayalam film Sayaahnam. A five-times holder of the Dan Black Belt in martial arts, Antony introduced various forms of martial arts to the South Indian film industry, especially the Malayalam film industry, and is the only martial arts expert actor in the Malayalam cinema to gain prominence by excelling in racy fight scenes.Antony grew up in a middle-class Christian family in Ponkunnam, Kerala.At the age of six, Antony started learning martial arts under Sebastian Master. He started by learning kalarippayattu, an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in the southern state of Kerala. Later, while Antony was in Pune for his post-graduation, he learned karate and other forms of martial arts including mixed martial arts (MMA), kung-fu, taekwondo, aikido, jiu-jitsu, judo, kickboxing, and western boxing from the best Indian and international trainers.Babu Antony excelled at various sports in his school and college days. He was the captain of his college’s volleyball team and athletic team during his graduation years. While in college, he also taught karate to missionaries in Pune.After pursuing his post-graduation, Antony joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, as a cinematographer.While he was working as a cinematographer, he came into the notice of the Malayalam film director Bharatan who offered him a small role in a Malayalam film.In 1985, he played a small role in the Malayalam film Shathru.Subsequently, he appeared in the films Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal (1986), Chilambu (1987), Vrutham (1987), and Veendum Lisa (1987).He rose to prominance 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.Playing angry young man in films like Gandhari (1993), Bharanakoodam (1994), and Chantha (1995) created a huge fan following among the audience especially youngsters.