Tony Luke: Every moment with Big B was memorable for me

Tony Luke is the latest in Malayalam to cross borders to Bollywood, but he’s probably the one to live a dream that most actors even in the Hindi industry hope for.
Sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan! The actor plays a prominent role in his Bollywood debut, titled Badla, directed by Kahani fame Sujoy Ghosh. Tony, who has also co-starred with Prithviraj Sukumaran and Pranav Mohanlal in Malayalam, tells us more about the milestone.
How did you win the role in Badla?
Director Jeethu Joseph, who had directed me in Aadhi was in talks with a top production house in Mumbai for a Hindi project called The Body. In their discussions, my name apparently cropped up, as the producer liked my performance in Aadhi.
While Jeethu suggested me for a prominent character in his film, one of the producers said they can check me out as a lead for another film, which is intense and complicated, but that would suit me if I pull off an audition. They felt my look fits the bill. Priyata, one of the top casting directors of the industry, gave me a scene.
I felt it was quite difficult. As I am not from the Hindi belt and as I was away from Mumbai for a long time, I was hesitant at first. But thankfully, she persuaded me and I shot an audition tape. I didn’t know the back story of the character, so I shot the scene in four variations and sent it to her.
A week later, I was called to meet Sujoy Ghosh, where I got to discuss the script and many other elements pertaining to the film. And then, he confirmed me on the spot.
Tell us about your character in the story.
I would love to shout from the rooftops about it, as it’s an amazing character. However, it’s too early and I’m under contractual obligation to stay mum for the moment. The film is a brilliant thriller and I am the catalyst in it. My character has many layers to it and is present throughout the movie.
What was it like to work with Amitabh Bachchan and Tapsee Pannu ?
Amazing! It was quite a privilege to share the screen with them and I would say it was an opportunity made of dreams. And I got to do such amazing scenes under the guidance of a director like Sujoy. Every day after the shoot, I slept like a baby knowing that every scene I am with these great actors is going to be great! Be it about timing, essence of the character, style or body language, I learnt a great deal every moment with them.
What preparations did you undertake for Badla?
Badla happened a month after my last project in Malayalam. I had put on weight and gone up to 90 kg from my usual weight of 84 kg for it. So in two weeks’ time, I had to lose all that weight and be a slim and trim 80 kg. I also had to polish my Hindi as the scenes had heavy Hindi lines. I believe I have done everything humanly possible to get all these elements right (laughs).
Moreover, I prayed a lot. I really needed some solid divine intervention to get everything right for this debut.
Did you get any advice from Big B?
I can’t speak much about it now. But, I was happy to be treated as someone who was there because of my merit. All my interactions with him were memorable, from the very first day.
What are your future projects?
I am in talks with an upcoming international web series, I am yet to sign it officially.