Singer Rajalakshmi who has crooned some popular melodies in Malayalam is all set to make her debut as a dubbing artiste in the forthcoming Kunchacko Boban-starrer ‘Mangalyam Thanthunanena’. The singer is thrilled to have landed an unexpected opportunity within just a few hours of giving a voice test. Rajalaskmi shares her experience on her initial dubbing for a character in the upcoming film.
Unexpected call
It was during the pre-production works of ‘Mangalyam Thantunanaena’ that the film's director Soumya Sadanandan asked Rajalakshmi to reach the Vismaya Studio in Thiruvananthapuram. “I have never done dubbing before. I tried to turn down the offer saying that I was not confident. But Soumya said they had done the voice tests of many and would like to do mine as well. She gave me confidence. I called singer Sayanora, and she too asked me to give it a try. So I went ahead with the voice test. Dubbing is hardly anything like singing. It takes some time for preparation. I mouthed a few dialogues, did the voice test and went home, and then I totally forgot about it,” Rajalakshmi revealed.
Clearing hurdle
A few days after the test, director Soumya called up Rajalaksmi and asked her to reach Ernakulam, as they have found the singer’s voice the most suitable for the character. Rajalaskmi was surprised when she got the call and was a little sceptical whether she could do it flawlessly. “I then thought it is not right to brush aside such opportunities that come our way. So I reached Ernakulam and completed it,” the singer said.
Clueless debutante
Rajalakshmi was completely clueless as she walked into the dubbing studio. “Soumya asked me to watch how actors Kunchacko Boban, Nimisha and Alencier were doing their parts. I was so surprised, wondering how it was possible for them to dub for the same scenes just a few days after they have acted it. So I watched them do that, and did the dubbing that day itself.”
Inexperience shows
The singer also shared a funny incident at the recording studio. “When they asked me to get into the studio, I went in carrying my song book. Singers take song books along whenever they enter the recording studio. So everyone there came to know that I have absolutely no previous experience in this,” Rajalakshmi narrated.
Not for singers
Though Rajalakshmi did a fabulous job giving voice for a character in the movie, the singer is of the opinion that dubbing is not suitable for singers. “When we alter our voices for dubbing, it would affect our singing capabilities because dubbing demands more strain and effort. It is, however, a little difficult to manage singing and dubbing together. One of the reasons I agreed to dub was that the character, for which I gave voice, is gentle and mellow. It was something I could do by staying within my comfort zone,” the talented artiste admitted.
Unique experience
Rajalakshmi dubbed for the character played by actor Leona Lishoy in ‘Mangalyam Thantunanaena’. She gives full credit to filmmaker Soumya and screenwriter Tony for making her understand the nuances of dubbing. “It was only after I completed dubbing my portions that I realised the character was a significant one. She appears in around seven major scenes in the movie. The crew told me that I did a good job, but I still couldn’t believe it. I thought someone else’s voice may make it to the final cut. I was thrilled to recognise my voice when I watched the movie’s trailer. Now I can’t wait to watch the movie in the theatre. I am confident that I can dub if I am offered such good opportunities in the future as well,” Rajalakshmi concluded.
