This Bengaluru-based doctor turns entertainer by the evening on stage and on the silver screen

During the day he sits in his clinic examining anxious patients who walk in with their dermatological problems. By evening, he takes the stage to entertain his loyal audiences, either through a play or an imrpov comedy show. Meet Dr Anil Abraham, Bengaluru-based dermatologist, who comfortably switches between his profession and passion.

Stethoscope to screen
This weekend, Anil will be seen in Uyare, a Malayalam film featuring Parvathy, Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali. Talking about how he bagged the role, he reveals, “I went through an audition like all other
beginners, to be cast in this film. I play the role of an aviation company chief and the hero’s father. Many aviation companys’ head honchos have been in the news recently. So it’s a role that is both topical and interesting.” Bengaluru’s theatre audiences who have watched Anil on stage will agree he is one of those talented artistes who transforms when the lights come on. Anil, who is a former professor and was head of the Dermatology Department at St John’s Medical College Hospital, is also an improv comedian.  However, in Uyare, he plays a serious role.
 

Lessons from Parvathy
Although not a debut, the film is his big break considering the star cast, which includes the likes of Parvathy. “I don’t share screen space with Parvathy but I got to watch her. She is a fantastic actress and a complete natural. Watching her is a master class in acting,” he says. What’s more interesting is Anil’s connection with the film’s writer duo Bobby-Sanjay. “Dr Bobby was my student and we have often discussed movies and theatre as common interests, during his student days,” reveals the doctor. When asked how he manages his medical practice and acting, Anil says, there are 24 hours in a day and there’s no excuse not to follow one’s passion because we have just one life to live. Sharing an anecdote from Uyare’s sets, Anil shares, “I spent Christmas with the cast and crew. The producers brought in a huge cake and both Parvathy and Tovino joined in the crazy festivities with Santa caps and carols. It is a Christmas I will never forget.”

ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax