Ashiesh Roy

You have lent your voice for movies like Terminator, Gladiator, Finding Nemo and characters like the Joker in The Dark Knight.

Actor Ninad Kamath, a big name in dubbing and ad film voicing, introduced me to the world of dubbing in 1996. I haven’t looked back since.

2Has your expertise in theatre helped you master voice modulation?

Without a doubt, yes.

Why aren’t dubbing and dubbing artistes not well-recognised in India?

That is because unlike the West, the big stars here fail to recognise the creativity that goes into dubbing, imitating the emotions of another.

Your debut on the big screen was a film with Shyam Benegal.

Bose—The Forgotten Hero, even with a limited role, was a dream debut.

How do you adapt to a new script, a new role?

The fun is to try and play it differently every time. It needs courage and imagination.

Tell us about a life-changing opportunity.

When Warner Bros chose me to lend my voice to The Joker in The Dark Night.

Comedy has been your forte. How challenging is it as a genre?

Comedy is all about timing. You either have it, or you don’t. You can’t learn it.

How is Ashiesh on-screen different from Ashiesh off-screen?

I am an introvert, a homebody who likes to watch movies, read, cook and do gardening, unlike my on-screen chatterbox persona.

How did it feel to have won two RAPA awa­rds—best screen adaptations for The Mask in 2000 and Ek Chabi Hain Pados Mein in 2008.

Both the projects were incredibly special and it was great to be honoured for them.

You have also done theatre and TV serials. What next?

I'd want to start a casting agency for all unconventional, exceptional talents in the industry.