His is the voice that ranks high among the most popular ones on Telugu television. But then, most television viewers will not recognise his original voice for each day through a series of humour shows, the master imitator presents politicians and other celebrities.
Meet Ravi Bhaviri, the voice behind the success of several popular satires on Telugu television channels. From N. Chandrababu Naidu to N. Kiran Kumar Reddy to Chiranjeevi and from Nagarjuna to Mahesh Babu, this irrepressible mimicry artist holds court daily with shows on different channels.
An innovative satire animation ‘Naa Varthalu, Naa Ishtam’ on NTV has a politician or celebrity presenting a news bulletin and Ravi lends the voice for the character. His popular voices include those of YSR and N. Chandrababu Naidu while his imitation of BJP leader, Venkaiah Naidu has been a major hit with viewers. A veteran of more than 8,000 stage shows and 1,000 television episodes, Ravi at present has shows such as ‘Ee Rojullo’, ‘Lallu Brothers’ and ‘Evari Gola Vadidi’. “I started mimicry at an age of 11 years and picked it up from my mother who while cooking would imitate the voice of my aunt,” Ravi says. Born and brought up in Nagayalanka in Krishna district, he happened to attend a mimicry presentation in the year 1977. “That evening, I walked back home trying different voices and did not stop since then”.
Working as a technical officer with the Endowments Department, he is at ease with most voices and can quickly switch from that of Mahesh Babu to Nagarjuna. “I am successful with at least 80 per cent of voices I attempt. There are instances, when I realise that the voice is not being worked out properly,” admits Ravi.
The humour artist does not stop with causing riotous laughter but strives to do his bit for the society and the needy. Through his small outfit Bhaviri Ravi Art Creations, he raised funds to provide education for two orphaned children and his itinerary includes shows at the old age homes, hostels for the visually challenged and others. “A smile on the face of such people is what I cherish most,” adds Ravi.
