In celebration of the voice

Post ‘Shamitabh’, Telugu voiceover/dubbing artistes talk about the challenges in the dubbing world.

Dhanush and Amitabh Bachchan in a still from the movie 'Shamitabh.'

S hamitabh is an ode to his master’s voice. As the mute superstar’s voice in the movie, the Bachchan baritone is celebrated in a unique way and has put the spotlight on countless voiceover and dubbing artistes who lend their voice to actors and actresses in different film industries.

When one thinks of dubbing in the Telugu film industry, one is instantly reminded of actor Sai Kumar. Voice of actors like Suman and Rajsekhar, Sai Kumar got recognition as a dubbing star before his acting skills were appreciated for the movie Police Story . From being the Telugu voice of Amitabh Bachchan (in Khuda Gawah) to Chiranjeevi (for the Tamil dub of Gang Leader ), Sai has been a Telugu voice of actors like Mohanlal, Mamooty, Vinod Khanna, Rajinikanth and (late) Raghuvaran. “I began my dubbing career with NTR’s movie Samsaram and have completed 40 years as a dubbing artiste,” he says with pride.

Sai says his voice has more reputation and recognition and recalls an experience in America. “We had travelled to New York once and an old couple during the tour did not recognise me. I felt a little sad about it but when I casually spoke to them about a camera angle, they immediately said my name. I was thrilled that my voice has that stature and recognition. I feel blessed to have a voice like this,” he says in a humble tone. In fact, dubbing is in the family’s genes. Be it Sai Kumar’s (late) father P. J. Sarma or his brother Ravi Shankar (who can forget his majestic voice in the movie

Arundhati which played a big role in the movie’s success), the family has earned a special name in the dubbing world.

With most actresses from the Hindi land, dubbing artistes lending voice to actresses is a common feature today. Priyanka, who has been in the industry as a dubbing artiste for five years says most people in the audience are not aware of the craft. “When one stands in a dark room, matches the emotions and imbues the performance of the actor on the screen it is a complex craft,” she says. Priyanka is now dubbing for Andrea in the Kamal Haasan’s movie

Uttama Villain.

Singer Sunitha, a popular voice of many actresses like Kamilini Mukherjee, Nayantara (in Sri Rama Rajyam ) and Shriya Saran in the recent Gopala Gopala says actresses should credit the dubbing artistes. “Unfortunately, actresses never talk about the role of the dubbing artiste in elevating her performance. Unlike actresses like Sneha, who openly credits the voice, others don’t even mention about it. Why don’t people realise that if an actor has given 100 per cent to a performance, a dubbing artiste has to give 400 per cent to match and elevate the performance,” she points out.

RJ Krish of Big 92.7 FM, who dubbed for movies like

Ashta Chamma and

Putrudu and now dubs for heroes in television serials like

Bharyamani and

Antahpuram says, “Unlike the popular dubbing artistes who are recognised, there are so many faceless artistes who contribute with their voice but do not get enough recognition.”

Dubbing artiste Sairaj says his stint has been satisfactory as he has given voice to different characters like a comedian, villain and actor. The artiste, who now plans to direct a movie says, “One cannot blame the audience for not giving us recognition as they might not be even aware. But when we dub for a voice and the team compliments us for the work and we hear our voice and feel satisfied with our act, one feels happy and special.”