THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dubbing director? Dubbing consultant? Dubbing supervisor? It seemed Bhagyalakshmi didn’t want to rack her brains over a designation. Rather, she would enjoy the new role.
Malayalam’s leading dubbing artist is now exploring a new terrain - supervising dubbing. ``It is a new phase in my 35-year-long career. I don’t know whether you can give a name to that post!’’ said Bhagyalakshmi, who has been the voice of heroines alone for 20 to 25 years.
``Actually, I was getting bored with the kind of roles that were being offered. My voice has matured and so I kept wondering whether it would suit the young heroines. I even thought of keeping away from the industry for quite sometime. But then, I have been so much in love with the industry that I couldn’t do that,’’ she explained her journey to the new assignment.
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. And the directors were more than happy to oblige her.
Rafi-Mecartin’s ‘Hello’ was the first such opportunity. Then Fazil sought her assistance 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, who is the daughter-in-law of KPAC Lalitha. Anju is dubbing for Anaitha (of ‘Chak De’ fame) in the film.
``Sometimes, the releasing date is announced before the dubbing work is completed. In such cases, I can take care of the dubbing work. Especially if the actress knows the language.’’
The work is not that easy, she admitted. ``There is strain.’’
In some cases, the directors are not even present at the dubbing studio to watch her work.
Also, as joint secretary of FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) 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 what they feel about it. Even otherwise many artists have told me that when I am around they are quite nervous!,’’ she said flashing her sunshine smile.
And Bhagyalakshmi is in search of new challenges. ``Technology is improving and conversation style is changing. I know 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 was disappointed that the venture did not last long. ``We didn’t get anybody who could 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 would 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.
These days, she is also trying to find some time to write a book. ``I have not decided whether I should write about my personal life alone or only about my professional life. Or should I mix both...I’m not sure.’’
Bhagyalakshmi’s first major film was ‘Kolilakkam’ (she dubbed for Sumalatha). ``I also have to find the exact number of films for which I’ve worked so far. I have the count till 2007 - 2,742.’’