Child actor comes of age

Kochi: Balu Varghese has been in the limelight ever since he was little. He began as a child actor, and then around the age of 17, he returned as a promising young actor in M-town.

The charming youngster is a scene stealer who is slowly becoming a household name in Mollywood. Balu is eagerly waiting for the release of his new films, Ithihasa and Hi I’m Tony.

“In Ithihasa, I play a thief — a mischievous one who does quirky things — along with Alvy, played by Shine Tom Chacko,” he says. In Hi I’m Tony, a psycho-thriller directed by his cousin Jean Paul Lal, he has a role of substance.

For the jovial and enthusiastic Balu, who grew up listening to the three most common words in tinsel town — ‘lights, camera and action’, being in front of arc lights was nothing new, till the release of Honey Bee.

“I have been playing child roles of many actors including my uncle, Lal. Initially, I was very shy. I still remember how timid I was when Lal Jose uncle asked me to do Indrajith’s childhood in Chanthupottu. Acting was just for pocket money then, a hobby. But now it’s not,” he says.

Balu gives all credit to his best buddy and cousin, Jean Paul and his uncle-cum-mentor Lal for helping him to take up acting as a career. 

“The review I got for my character Ambru in Honey Bee gave me the confidence to stay in the industry. I was planning on pursuing higher studies in Marketing Management, but now I feel I need to explore my acting skills,” he smiles.

The actor, who chooses quality over quantity of screen space, dreams of being known as a ‘good actor’.

“I am looking forward to grab some roles that have the potential to challenge the actor in me. Something like Freddy, my character in Happy Journey, who is a unique person and an important part of the film,” says the passionate Balu.