“The director did not want me to experiment with my voice” - Mukesh Khanna 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, October 19, 2005 - 01:36 IST
Mukesh Khanna who stuck to fame with his commanding portrayal of Bhishma Pitamaha in B.R. Chopra's popular TV series Mahabharat is now to play another mythological character. But this time he is just lending his voice. That's because the movie in question is an animated movie. In fact India's first full length animated movie, Hanuman.
Khanna has lent his voice for Sahara One Motion Pictures animation venture 'Hanuman'. This film is directed by animation guru V.G Samant and is set to hit the theaters nationwide on October 21st 2005. Here is what Khanna has to say about his connection with Hanuman.
What does Hanuman represent for you, and how close is He to your heart?
Hanuman is very close to my heart. He is about faith; He is about Indian culture. He is called Sankat Mochan - the remover of obstacles and problems by every Indian.
Hanuman is universally accepted as the greatest Super Hero. And I personally feel that making a complete movie on Him is a brilliant idea - that too a full length animation film, which is always a difficult task. I believe that the film Hanuman is a must-watch for every Indian! I must thank Sahara One Motion Picture for taking the initiative and making such a wonderful movie.
You have given your voice in Hanuman, Shah Rukh Khan did the same for The Incredibles. How do you feel?
It's a good start. Voicing, dubbing and music are critical aspects of all movies, and all the more so for an animated film. Giving my voice in the movie was a challenge but I was never worried because I believe in myself. I really feel that Hanuman is going to set a trend and more and more animation film will be made in India.
What kind of research and preparation did you do lending your voice in Hanuman?
Hanumanji has blessed me with such a voice that I did not have to go through any kind of pain in giving voice to the character. I just had kept one thing in mind while dubbing: Hanuman is a source of Shakti, so my voice has to have that power in it. Also, the brief was very clear by the director - they did not want any experimenting with the voice. They wanted it to be clear so it becomes easier for everyone to watch the movie and enjoy.
What is the strength of Hanuman the movie?
It's a very interesting and engrossing film and complete entertainment for the entire family. But yes, what really stands out is the Bal Roop of Hanuman - the part that looks at the lovely childhood of Hanuman. His naughtiness, his great power, his innocent pranks too… and of course, the excellent song 'Akdam Bakdam' The animation too is brilliant, and I think that children will definitely enjoy the Baal Roop of Hanuman.
By the way, Hanuman is the first film that has visualized Baal Roop of Hanumanji. It's a must watch - believe me!
What are your expectations from the film?
Hanuman is a brilliant film; it is complete family entertainment, and the perfect gift any parent can give to his child in the Diwali season. We all have put our sincere effort and we believe that the audiences will love it.
Shaktiman was the first super hero of Indian Small Screen and Hanuman is the greatest super hero of all times. How does it feel to be an important part of both the projects.
It makes me feel very proud. Yes, it was an honor to have been instrumental in creating Shaktiman, the first superhero on Indian screen. Bu let me tell you, Shaktiman too was inspired by the greatest superhero of all time Himself, that is, Hanuman! And now, I have lent voice to Hanuman's character! I just feel very fortunate and blessed to have been able to do this.
You have a big fan following among the kids. What is the message that you are hoping the film Hanuman will give them?
Hanuman symbolizes Shakti - power! Kids need to realize the immense power that remains dormant within themselves, just as it was in the case of Lord Hanuman! I hope that all kids will look at themselves and worship their body. There is immense power hidden in you. Just realize it and try to bring it out. And most important, kids, you must take inspiration from the great Lord Hanuman, and never misuse your power! Use it for the betterment of the weak and downtrodden, and in the line of doing your just duty.
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Can Hanuman create an opening for more animated films in India?
