Shreyas Talpade: The voice that made Pushpa a household name in Hindi

Excerpts from an interview

Q. What was the biggest difference in preparation for Pushpa 1 & 2?

A: The biggest difference was in Allu Arjun’s character development. In Part 1, it was his rise, so the whole body language was different, the swag kept growing gradually, and there was a lot of vulnerability associated with that. In Part 2, because it was his rule, his entire persona changed, his confidence level was at an all-time high, and it was a godlike stature that he had achieved which had to be brought out in the voice.

A: Managing the shades of Pushpa’s character is part of my job, and it’s a challenge I love to take on. When I lend my voice, I see myself on screen doing it, and that’s how I try to portray it.

Q: How does it feel to know that Pushpa Hindi is doing exceptionally well?

A: It always feels good when your film is doing well, and the kind of business that Pushpa Hindi has done feels great. I feel overwhelmed, humbled, and extremely grateful for the amount of love that people have showered on me.

Q: Have the makers of Pushpa or Allu Arjun contacted you after the film's success?

A: No, none of the makers have called or messaged me after the success. I have not spoken or met Allu Arjun after both parts; we have never met.

Q: Between dubbing, acting, and direction, which one is more grueling?

A: Each part of the profession has a different level of challenge. Dubbing requires reliving a character, acting has its own challenges, and direction is extremely challenging as you’re the captain of the project.