From cartoons to web series: The growing opportunities in dubbing

Ever heard the song "Aaru Paranju Myavoo"? Chances are, you have. The animated cartoon series featuring the mischievous antics of Kathu the kitten and her lively gang of friends are hard to miss.

But here’s a fascinating detail about the show: the voice behind Kandan, the villain of this beloved cartoon series, is the same talent behind two of Indian cinema’s most iconic characters — Palval Devan, played by Rana Daggubati in Baahubali, and Alluri Sita Rama Raju, portrayed by Ram Charan in RRR. This versatile voice belongs to Shobi Thilakan, whose range and skill have breathed life into these characters.

Dubbing is a field bursting with creative possibilities. Whether it’s the gruff, gravelly voice of a villain, akin to nails scraping against stone, or the innocent chatter of a playful child, mastering the craft of voice work opens the door to a world of exciting career opportunities.

A thriving job market
"Do you have a voice with potential? Here’s your chance to explore a career!" This was once a familiar tagline in ads seeking Radio Jockeys. But that story has evolved. While radio and anchoring were once prime opportunities for voice talent, the landscape has since broadened considerably. Today, countless avenues exist for turning your voice into a thriving career.

The rise of OTT platforms has been a game changer for dubbing artists, making it possible for audiences to enjoy films and shows in multiple languages. As a result, the demand for dubbing artists has skyrocketed, with many professionals now lending their voices to multiple characters within a single film. AI technology has further revolutionized the industry, erasing traditional limitations. Age, for example, is no longer a barrier – artists can voice characters of any age, opening new realms of possibility.

Web series have also emerged as a lucrative opportunity for voice actors. If you have a talent for mimicry, the booming world of animated films and children’s programming is a goldmine waiting to be tapped. Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of this career is its flexibility; many dubbing artists successfully pursue it alongside other professions.

Additionally, dubbing is no longer reserved for those with film degrees. Many private institutions now offer specialized courses in dubbing, often available online, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The voice-over industry presents a wide array of opportunities beyond just bringing characters to life. From advertising, which remains a significant source of work, to the rapidly growing markets of podcasts and audiobooks, the possibilities are endless. Many major publishers now offer storytelling apps and audiobooks, creating part-time work opportunities for aspiring voice actors.

Take P K Jinsil, for example – a seasoned voice artist and trainer. Over the past 16 years, he’s voiced numerous commercials and narrated over 100 audiobooks.

"Dubbing cannot be learned through a course alone. Creativity is key. A good dubbing artist must also be a good actor," says Shobi Thilakan, President of the FEFKA Dubbing Artists Union. "The voice industry offers endless career possibilities these days."