Pushpa 2: The Rule has taken the audience by storm, with Allu Arjun's electrifying performance capturing the attention of moviegoers. The Hindi version, which has also won over fans, features Bollywood actor Shreyas Talpade lending his voice to the protagonist, Pushpa Raj, a role made iconic by Arjun. Speaking exclusively to India Today Digital, Shreyas expressed the "nervous" experience of dubbing for such a high-profile character, given the immense expectations placed on him. However, he shared that he now feels relieved, basking in the overwhelming love from the audience for his work.
Shreyas humbly attributed much of the success of his dubbing to director Sukumar and Allu Arjun's collaboration, highlighting that the powerful visual portrayal of Pushpa Raj in the film inspired him to give his best. He said, "What you see on screen is engaging enough, and that kind of inspired me to give my best shot too." Shreyas also praised Pushpa 2 for surpassing the expectations set by its predecessor, calling it a rare example of a sequel that outshines the original.
When asked if he ever imagined himself playing Pushpa Raj in a remake, Shreyas responded with a laugh, saying, "Obviously, that's on the wish list for sure." He went on to explain that as an actor, such iconic roles are a dream, and if the opportunity ever arose, he would be more than happy to step into the shoes of Pushpa.
The talented actor revealed that his involvement in the film came through the suggestion of the dubbing director, who had seen Shreyas's work in The Lion King (where he voiced the character of Simon). Surprised to receive the call, Shreyas decided to watch the original Pushpa and was immediately captivated by the film's style, swag, and Allu Arjun’s confident portrayal of the character. "I was floored. I really liked what they did," Shreyas said, adding that the creative freedom he was given to dub Pushpa’s voice as he felt fit played a significant role in his successful portrayal.
Though this was his first time dubbing for another actor, Shreyas mentioned that he was deeply moved by the love and praise he received for his performance. Interestingly, he’s yet to meet Allu Arjun in person, but he shared a memorable experience from the dubbing process. One of the most challenging moments, he explained, was dubbing for an emotional scene in the climax where Pushpa breaks down. "When you are dubbing for any other actor, you pretty much have to get into his skin. I immediately went to record. I did not want to miss the opportunity, miss those emotions," Shreyas recalled. The emotional weight of the scene struck him deeply, and it was this emotional engagement that made the dubbing process so rewarding.
While Pushpa has enjoyed massive global success, the film has not been without its criticism, especially regarding the portrayal of toxic masculinity. When asked whether he ever questioned the character's actions or the film’s approach while dubbing, Shreyas clarified that he always separates his personal beliefs from the character. "As an actor, you have to only believe the director’s vision. Not everything they want will be liked by you, and vice versa. But eventually, they are the captain of the ship," he explained. He admitted that, during Pushpa 2, there were moments when he felt things could have been different, but he respected the director's firm vision for the film. "The director was very firm on the way he wanted it, and so, we stuck to that," Shreyas added.
Looking ahead, Shreyas has more exciting projects lined up. His next dubbed film, Mufasa: The Lion King, will be released soon. "These are the two characters I have ever dubbed, and both releasing in the same month is quite a great moment. While one is a sequel, the other is a prequel," he shared. He expressed his excitement for the new project, promising that audiences would enjoy the "nok-jhok" (bittersweet moments) between Simon and Pumba.
Apart from his dubbing work, Shreyas is also busy with live-action projects. He is currently shooting for Housefull 5 and has Welcome to the Jungle and Baaghi 4 in the pipeline. Additionally, he will soon be seen in Emergency, a film directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, adding yet another feather to his already impressive cap. With such a diverse array of roles, Shreyas Talpade continues to captivate audiences across different mediums, establishing himself as a versatile and cherished performer in the industry.
