Ami says dubbing for Sai in 'Ramayana''felt almost divine'

Dubbing artiste and actor Ami Trivedi described working on 'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend' as one of the most exciting experiences of her career this year. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has arrived in theatres and is receiving positive reviews. Ami has lent her voice to Sai Pallavi, who portrays Goddess Sita in the mythological drama. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, she discussed the responsibility of voicing such an iconic character and the challenges of matching another actor's performance.Having started her dubbing career at 17, Ami has worked on several popular international and Indian projects. From voicing characters associated with 'Harry Potter' and '300: Rise of an Empire' to Lois Lane in 'Superman', she has explored different genres. However, dubbing for Sai Pallavi in the much-awaited mythological film brought a different kind of excitement and responsibility.

Ami Trivedi recalls her journey as a dubbing artiste

Ami said dubbing initially offered her another opportunity to understand and explore the craft of acting. She never viewed it as merely a technical assignment. Over the years, she became associated with several memorable characters and projects she had hoped to work on. “Dubbing was, at that time, just another form of art to me where I could learn more of the craft and dubbing for characters like Harry (Potter), Artemisia (Eva Green, 300: Rise of an Empire), Louise Lane (Superman) and Sita (Ramayana) were projects I really wanted to be a part of, and it manifested in its own way”

Voicing Sai Pallavi as Sita felt almost divine

Being selected to dub for Sai Pallavi in 'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend' was particularly special for Ami.

She admitted that the opportunity brought excitement, nervousness and a sense of responsibility. Given the scale and expectations surrounding the film, she considered being part of the project a significant moment.“Dubbing for Sai Pallavi in Ramayan was the most exciting thing that I have done this year, so there was thrill with a load of fear and excitement as this is the most awaited film for not just India but also the world, and to be selected to be part of something of this magnitude felt almost divine”

Matching Sai Pallavi's performance was the biggest challenge

Ami explained that dubbing requires an artiste to understand the original actor's interpretation instead of imposing an individual performance.

The objective is to make the voice sound natural and consistent with the person appearing on screen.“This is the main challenge, as I said before; it is always filling in the actor's shoes to ensure it doesn’t sound dubbed but like the actor’s original sound; else it ruins the viewers' experience”She described dubbing for Sita as one of her smoothest experiences. Sai Pallavi's expressions and emotional portrayal helped Ami understand the character.

Nitesh Tiwari's guidance throughout the process also made the assignment easier. “For Sita's dubbing, it was honestly the smoothest job that I have done, as the work was done majorly by Sai ma'am and the way she portrayed the emotions and expressions made it very smooth sailing; also, Nitesh sir’s guidance throughout made my job much easier.

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Understanding the scene before stepping behind the microphone

Ami explained that she watches a sequence first as an audience member before studying the actor's performance.

Understanding the scene's emotional essence helps her approach the dubbing process. She also acknowledged the pressure associated with portraying a character as familiar as Sita. “Honestly, the pressure is there for everyone involved in making the film but when you are performing, it's best to silence the noise, or else you can't perform your best.

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Indian mythology offers a different dubbing experience

Ami believes voicing mythological characters rooted in Indian culture involves a different sensibility. She also said her experience across television, theatre and films has helped her develop as an actor. “Yes, a mythological Indian character has an Indian-ness to it which feels more like home ground, but with other characters, be it Bollywood or Hollywood, they have some similarities and are also more contemporary”She continues to enjoy roles that demand vocal variations and distinctive performances. “As a dubbing artist, I enjoy performing characters that challenge me in terms of voice modulations as well as performing characters that have an edge. Every genre is fun to perform as long as I can do justice to the actor's work.”Meanwhile, the Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash-starrer 'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend' is out in theatres and is getting good reviews.