'Ramayana': Sharad Kelkar opens up on dubbing for Yash
What's the story
Sharad Kelkar, who has lent his voice to Yash's character in the Hindi version of Ramayana, recently opened up about the challenges he faced while dubbing. In an interview with Variety India, he revealed that filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari and the core team had approached him. Kelkar called the project a "great opportunity" and praised Yash's commitment to the film.
Collaboration details
Kelkar's connection with Niraj Sanghai
Kelkar recalled meeting Tiwari at actor Ravie Dubey's house while the director was preparing for Ramayana.
He revealed, "Niraj Sanghai of Prime Focus is a good friend. In fact, when I met Nitesh Sir last year at Ravie Dubey's place, I told him I wanted to work with him. He was busy preparing for the Ramayana shoot."
"This was a great opportunity and finally, we worked together."
Character exploration
This is how Tiwari has envisioned Ravana in 'Ramayana'
Kelkar also shared his understanding of Tiwari's vision for Ravana in the film.
He said, "Nitesh Sir conceived the film basically from Ravan's rise as an evil force."
"While audiences have seen Lord Ram's childhood, nobody has seen Ravan's past: where he came from and what happened to him."
"Ravan's life is shown in a much more extended manner than scenes from Ayodhya."
Dubbing difficulties
Kelkar on Yash's performance in 'Ramayana'
Despite praising Yash's performance, Kelkar admitted that adapting it for Hindi audiences was challenging.
He explained that Yash's Kannada-speaking background affected his pronunciation and dialogue rhythm in Hindi.
"Dubbing for him was not at all easy... The entire team felt his voice needed to be dubbed for the Hindi version."
"In Kannada, he has done a brilliant job. He has a fantastic voice."
Dubbing strategy
How he approached dubbing for Ravana
Kelkar also revealed how he approached dubbing for Ravana.
He wanted the character to sound confident, except in the scene where Ravana consults his 10 heads about going to war.
"Ravan is a very intelligent, well-read man and he has a command on things."
"While dubbing, I had to keep in mind that he cannot come across as confused or doubtful."
"The dubbing session for the 10 heads scene went beyond three hours," he revealed.
Box office success
Meanwhile, know more about 'Ramayana'
Ramayana, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in lead roles alongside Yash, has crossed ₹200cr in worldwide gross collections within two days of its release.
Its India net collection has also crossed ₹100cr.
The film has received a strong response from audiences across India, with Yash's portrayal of Ravana earning praise.
The second part will release in 2028.