This month marks a milestone in actor and former badminton player Sudheer Babu’s life. His debut Bollywood film, Baaghi: A Rebel for Love will release tomorrow. Directed by Sabbir Khan, the film sees the Telugu star of Shiva Manasulo Shruthi (SMS) play the antagonist. Babu’s character, an intimidating and aggressive Raghav, is a stark contrast to his real-life soft-spoken and gentlemanly persona. This was evident enough when we witnessed Babu whispering his doubts to Khan during a press event.
Babu began his acting career in 2010 by playing a small role in Ye Maaya Chesave , directed by Gautham Menon. He has worked in eight films in the Telugu industry where, unfortunately, most of his work has not scored well with critics. Nevertheless, he has been lauded for demonstrating a consistent growth in his skills.
Bollywood calling
Babu had no intention of joining Bollywood. He explains that the film industry in south India has enough opportunities. Make no mistake, this was not out of arrogance or swagger even though Babu hails from a family of superstars (Telugu heartthrob Mahesh Babu is his brother-in-law). But then Khan came along with Baaghi ’s script, after seeing the actor’s training videos online. “Sabbir Sir did not know about my family’s background until we spoke,” says Babu. “It felt nice to be chosen for my own talent.” In fact, Khan’s choice was dictated by just one factor: he wanted someone who could be on a par with Tiger Shroff, the lead actor, especially during the action sequences.
When it came to working with the lead actor, Babu was all admiration for his co-star. “He works out diligently. Also, he is always practising something, be it a kick or a stunt. The only time he rests is when he is asleep.” The Telugu actor’s practice videos on YouTube show that he too is as disciplined. “Performing an action sequence is like dancing,” he says. “The timing and synchronisation has to be perfect.”
Classifying directors
As for being directed Khan, Babu says that there are two kinds of directors: the first monitors every movement and expression, the second tweaks aspects of a performance to cater to the film’s needs. Both ways, believes Babu, could yield desirable results. But the latter is certainly easier on the actor and also fun: “Sabbir Sir is of the second kind,” says Babu. “He allows me creative freedom.”
The Telugu actor is unsure whether he’ll show the film to his kids. “I play the villain in this film but I always want to be their hero,” he says, especially as his children have grown up watching their uncle Mahesh Babu play the protagonist in several films. “I won't show them this film unless they ask.”
He might be locking horns with Shroff in the film, but Babu feels he won’t be the right contender to beat him. “My older son is the only one who can beat Tiger. He is too good with stunts.”
No qualms
Unlike his counterparts, Babu is not apprehensive about his first steps into Bollywood being in an antagonistic role.
He says being recognised as a good actor is his priority and the rest will follow suit, which is why he had no qualms about debuting as the antagonist in his film Ye Maaya Chesave too.
The writer is an intern at The Hindu
