When the audience saw Tony Luke for the first time on screen, they thought he was a North Indian actor trying his luck in the Malayalam cinema. They were quick to spot a ‘Bollywood’ charm in this talented actor. However, for Tony, a native of Changanassery, it was not just his looks but also his acting chops which earned him the ticket to Bollywood, after playing significant roles in four Malayalam movies.
Tony is elated when his performance in the latest Bollywood movie Badla, in which he has shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan, is appreciated. The handsome actor speaks to us about his big Bollywood outing and his dreams about cinema.
“I am mostly getting wonderful responses. There are people who criticize too. However, I am thrilled. Sujoy Ghosh offered me the role in Badla after seeing me in Aadhi. The movie is a thriller which keeps the audience on the edges of their seats throughout it,” said Tony excitedly.
With Big B
“Isn’t it everyone’s dream to work with him?” asks Tony. He recalled that the iconic actor was shooting a scene when he reached the sets for the first time. “He came near me while I was staring at something else. I didn’t even realize he was standing next to me. He came to me and said, ‘Welcome to Bollywood’. He is such a simple individual without the airs of a super star. I was able to learn a lot from him about acting and how to behave as well,” explained the actor.
Oozham
Tony Luke, while doing modeling, had acted in a few short films as well. Film maker Jeethu Joseph, who happened to watch it, offered him a role in Oozham. The actor was again cast by the film maker in his next directorial venture Aadhi. Meanwhile, Tony was also seen in the Nivin Pauly-starrer Sakhavu. The movie ‘9’ starring Prithviraj in the lead role is Tony’s latest release in Malayalam.
Mollywood and Bollywood
“Other than the budget and a few technological aspects, I couldn’t spot any dissimilarity between the two industries. I think there aren’t any differences in the creative levels,” said Tony.
Favorite actors
Tony revealed that he often watches the movies of Mammootty and Mohanlal and even see them as role models when it comes to acting. However, the young actor admitted that he is a true Mohanlal fan. “My father is a fan of Prithviraj’s while my mother and sister are Mammootty fans. Among the new age actors, I really admire Fahadh Faasil. I am yet to watch Kumbalangi Nights. I have not been able to watch it due to my busy shooting schedules,” noted the actor.
The Actor
Tony confesses that he wasn’t really passionate about acting, initially. He began his career in the entertainment industry as a successful model. Tony said he felt confidence that he could really act, after he did Oozham. The youngster’s confidence only got increased after each movie.
Latest projects
“After Badla, I am signed up for two more Bollywood movies. The discussions for a web series is progressing. Actors of international repute would be acting in it. Like every actor, I too wish to do good roles, irrespective of the language. I share a close friendship with director Jeethu Joseph. He is the one who introduced me into the movie industry. If he offers me a role, I wouldn’t think twice to take it up,” Tony Luke signs off.
