Actor Andy Teh happens to be the same age as Michael Tong Wai Siong – better known as Uncle Mike – when the latter met 13-year-old Rafie Ahmad Fauzi in 2008.

However, the actor – who turns 40 this month (September) – admits he almost lost the role because producers thought he “looked too young” for his age.

Teh is currently starring as Tong in the film Abah Saya Uncle Mike, inspired by the viral story of a Chinese man who raised three Malay orphans.

“They wanted someone more mature-looking,” Teh tells StarLifestyle, adding that he was lucky to get the role in the end.

A gym owner and mixed martial artist, Teh decided to put on 10kg to appear more mature.

The problem is, he had to achieve it in a month.

Andy Teh runs a gym and is a mixed martial artist. Photo: YAP CHEE HONG/The StarFor someone used to eating clean and training daily, it was no easy feat.

“For the first 10 days, I went all out – ice cream, burgers, fries, pizza – on top of dinner every night before going straight to bed,” shares Teh, who’s appeared in several local action films including this year’s Blood Brothers.

“It was OK at first, but I overdid it.

“By Day 10, I fell sick, vomited badly, and lost four of the seven kilos I had gained.”

After recovering, Teh did some research and realised he needed to take a slower approach because of his high metabolism from years of training.

“I just told my body, ‘Let’s do this again, but slower’,” he says.

He eventually reached 7.5kg – still shy of his 10kg goal – but filming had to begin.

Ironically, the fuller face he had hoped for only appeared two to three weeks after filming wrapped.

“During the shoot, my heaviest was about 8-8.5kg up from my usual weight,” he says.

“I wanted my face to look rounder, but it came too late.”

Physical changes weren’t his only challenge.

Teh also had to capture Tong’s calm, grounded demeanour – a stark contrast to his own naturally fast-paced, high-energy personality.

“Even when I talk, I talk fast,” says Teh.

“Uncle Mike is the opposite – composed and thoughtful with his movements.

“I had to slow myself down, talking and walking. That effort was exhausting.”

But in consciously slowing himself both on and off set, Teh learned to listen more.

“I’m an ‘in-charge’ kind of person,” says the eldest of three siblings.

“So this film taught me to listen – there are many scenes where Uncle Mike doesn’t speak. It really tested me as an actor, but also changed me for the better.

“Now I take more time to listen to others and see things from different perspectives.”

Andy Teh with the three young actors who play his sons in Abah Saya Uncle Mike. Photo: Handout

To build a believable bond on screen, Teh spent a full month rehearsing with the three young actors – Idan Aedan, Nor Merah and Umar Shakur – before filming began.

Teh also pared down his social life and spent more time with his parents.

“I’m very close to my parents, but because of work, I don’t see them every day.

“Since Uncle Mike is a family man, I made an effort to spend more time with mine before filming – taking them shopping or out for meals.

“One day my dad teared up just because I brought him out. It made me realise how much they appreciate even small moments,” he remembers.

The experience shifted how Teh saw his parents – noticing his father’s grey hair and wrinkles – and even the way the actor used social media.

“I started posting questions like, ‘When’s the last time you hugged your dad?’ to encourage others to value family,” says Teh, who uses his online platforms to promote positivity.

In the process of making the movie, Andy Teh says it has brought him closer to his own parents. Photo: Andy Teh/Instagram

Though he’s active on social media, Teh says he completely missed the “Uncle Mike story” when it first went viral.

He only learned about it after being called for the audition, then researched on YouTube and was awed by Tong’s life.

Teh also discovered they had something in common: a passion for charity work.

For over five years, Teh has been helping at three homes – two orphanages and an old folks’ home – not only volunteering but also raising funds and distributing food.

Over time too, he’s formed close bonds with the children in these homes.

This connection made Tong’s story resonates with him even more.

“It really captured my heart. What struck me most was that he’s Chinese but taking care of three Malay boys.

“The children I help are mostly Chinese and Indians ... so things are more straightforward.

“With Malay families, there are certain restrictions – even with food – so that can make things more challenging.”

Wanting to better understand Islam, Teh spoke to those around him, especially his manager, asking questions to gain deeper insight into the faith.

A touching scene in the movie where Uncle Mike (Andy Teh) connects with young Rafie. Photo: Handout

The role is a first for Teh in many ways – his first as a lead in a film, and his first time portraying a father figure on screen.

Teh, who is known for action roles, found the emotional scenes in the film unexpectedly intense. He admits, at times, they left him in tears as they were so difficult.

“I used to think action roles were harder, but maybe because I’ve been doing them for a long time, I’m used to it. With emotional roles, it’s different – it really eats at you.”

Even so, Teh has no regrets.

“There were actually two acting offers at the time – this role and an action movie – but without a second thought, I chose Uncle Mike.

“More Malaysians should know about him, and the things he has done.

“Taking in three boys is already tough – but to understand the children’s religion and way of life, that’s extraordinary.”

Teh hopes the film’s impact goes beyond Tong’s personal story, and more films with inspiring messages are made in the future.

“We live in a country with various races and religions – we should respect each other and learn more about one another.

“Uncle Mike’s selflessness shows love can cross beyond anything, even blood.

“And when you do cut the skin, everyone’s blood is red.

“I hope this film reminds us that everybody is the same – it’s something we can’t afford to forget.”

Abah Saya Uncle Mike is showing at cinemas nationwide.