TOONEY Tales

How did you get this opportunity?
I was always on the lookout for an opportunity,wherein I could do something different yet interesting. I love Hollywood animated films and admire their life-like characters. I was eager to do something on these lines. And one day,I got a call from the company that dubs the Hindi voices for films. So I simply pounced on the opportunity.

What was your experience like?
As actors we generally dub for our roles if required. But this is the first time that I have lent my voice to an animated character. It was a great experience,I enjoyed it.

How did you prepare for it?
I saw the film and closely studied my character. One advantage of doing such a project is that you get an opportunity to watch the film before anybody else does!

Which is your favourite animated flick?
Well,there are too many Hollywood flicks that I can name here…but the ones that are coming to my mind at the moment are…Finding Nemo,Lion King and Wall-E. I liked the robot,Wall-E and the way the character was dubbed. Since it was a robot,the electronic sound effects (when it spoke) were given beautifully.

Any animated character that you mimic?
Yes,I love Eric Cartman from South Park and I think I can mimic his voice well.

Vinay Pathak has lent his voice for Pedro (who is Nico’s buddy). Did you two team up during the recording?
No,that is not how things function in a recording studio. There should be silence,during individual dubbing and hence we dubbed for our respective parts separately.

You were seen on television many years ago. Do you have any plans to make a comeback?
I did Ranvir Vinay Aur Kaun? I also hosted The Great Indian Comedy Show long time ago. At present,films and theatre keep me busy. But yes,I would like to make a comeback on TV. I want to host a chat show or do a sitcom instead of acting in soap operas or being a part of reality TV show.

You are now a proud father,how do you feel?
Oh,it’s a great feeling. I am extremely happy.

In your upcoming flick Fatso,you were asked to put on weight,so did you manage to come back to your original shape?
Well,I had put on some 15 kgs so I am not completely back to my normal shape yet. Due to fat accumulation,there are certain changes that happen to your body permanently. Gaining weight required me to eat a lot,but there was a proper diet that I had to follow,coupled with an exercise routine to keep my heart healthy. Later,I did swimming and yoga to lose weight.

onkar.kulkarni@expressindia.com