KOCHI: What exactly is Bhagyalakshmi now - dubbing director, dubbing consultant or dubbing supervisor? Malayalam’s leading dubbing artist is exploring new terrain, dubbing supervision. “It is a new phase in my 35-year long career. I don’t know whether you can give a name to the post,” said Bhagyalakshmi, who has been the voice of heroines for nearly 25 years.
She is more concerned about enjoying the new role than about a designation.
“I was feeling bored with the same type of work that I’ve been doing over the years. My voice has matured and I kept wondering if it would suit the young heroines of the day. I even thought of keeping away from the industry for some time! But I couldn’t do that.” So Bhagyalakshmi told directors that she would like to go to the dubbing studio even if she was not working in the film and watch others do their job.
The directors were more than happy to oblige her.
Rafi-Mecartin’s ‘Hello’ gave her the first opportunity. Later Fazil sought assistance from her for his new heroine, Aswathi, in ‘Moz and Cat.’ While dubbing for Nandini in ‘IG,’ Bhagyalakshmi was asked to supervise the work of newcomer Anju (daughter-inlaw of actor KPAC Lalitha) who was dubbing for Anaitha (of ‘Chak De’ fame) in the film. “Sometimes the release date is announced before the dubbing work is completed. In such cases I take can care of the dubbing work.
Especially if the actress knows the language.” The work is not all that easy, says Bhagyalakshmi. “Of course there’s a lot of strain.” Often the directors are not present at the dubbing studio to watch her work. As joint secretary of Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and general secretary of FEFKA Union of Dubbing Artists, “I can ensure that decorum is maintained inside the dubbing studio.” Any feedback from her counterparts? “I don’t know how they feel about it. But many artists have told me that when I am around they are quite nervous!” she said flashing her sunshine smile.
Bhagyalakshmi is in search of new challenges. “Technology is improving and the style of conversation is changing.
A lot more can be done with sound.
There are many surprising elements in it. Sync sound is always welcome but it will take quite some time for our cinema to fully fall into that track.” As the chat digressed to the School of Voice Designing and Presentation opened by Mohanlal where she was course director, Bhagyalakshmi said that she was disappointed that the venture did not last long. “We didn’t get anybody who had the potential to be moulded into a good artist. Even now we get enquiries. But not many come with real interest and talent. Most of them want to know how much money they will be able to make. They should understand that patience is the key. It took years for the public to accept and recognise one Bhagyalakshmi,” she said.
The artist is trying to find some time to write a book. “I have not decided whether I should write about my personal life or just about my professional life. Or should I mix both? I’m still thinking.” Bhagyalakshmi’s first big break was ‘Kolilakkam’ in which she dubbed for Sumalatha. “I’m yet to work out the exact number of films in which I’ve worked. I have the count till 2007 - 2,742.”
m_athira@epmltd.com