Dipchand Bihari, OP
Bollywood director-producer BR Chopra’s mega television series Mahabharat was a super hit in the 80s. Apart from the serial, the voice of Samay (Time), that narrates the story of Mahabharat, has received accolades from innumerable viewers and critics. The man behind the voice of Samay is veteran voice-over artiste Harish Bhimani. He bagged the National Film Award as voice-over artiste for Marathi film Mala Laj Watat Nahi (I am Not Ashamed) from former president Pranab Mukherjee. Harish has earned popularity for acting, writing and making documentaries. He was seen in the film ISIS: Enemies of Humanity playing a Maulvi Maruf. He has written the biography of ace singer Lata Mangeshkar titled Lata Didi Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh. Bhimani has scripted many TV serials including Khandaan, Sukanya, Subah and Inkaar among others.
The versatile personality was in the city to attend a literature festival. In tete-a-tete with Orissa POST, he shares his journey and achievements. Excerpts:
OP: You were associated with legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar and were part of a team in 140 concerts in 21 nations. Tell us, what did you learn from her?
Bhimani: I learned several things from her including her punctuality. During my time with her, I learn to focus. Make focus and run after it until you grab it. Focus in thoughts, work, action and execution. Dedicate yourself until you achieve your goal and later grab it.
OP: You scripted dialogue for ISIS: Enemies of Humanity (2017) and played a role as Maulvi Maruf. What did you think when you wrote the dialogues?
Bhimani: The film is about how ISIS group recruits the youth and pushes them to commit crime. I was approached by director Yuvraj Kumar to write dialogues. While writing, I focused on simplifying language which can be understood by viewers and dialogues must represent truth. We didn’t use words like Allah or Namaz because we didn’t want people to quote us out of context. I played as a benign Sufi cleric.
OP: You won many accolades for your iconic line Main Samay Hoon (narrator) in Mahabharat serial. How did you get into the serial?
Bhimani: Director BR Chopra was looking for a narrator who can give voice over as the Samay to narrate the story of Mahabharat. I was called by actor Gufi Paintal (who played Shakuni) to narrate. I was present before three great personalities—BR Chopra, Rahi Masoom Raza and Pandit Narendra Sharma. Without knowing anything about my role, I just lent the voice. Initially, they didn’t like my narration. At the end, I thought to give non-human voice (as Samay is not human). I said with a different modulation. During recording, I heard BR Chopra saying ‘Isi awaz ko pakde rakho’ (Maintain the voice). This is how we started telecasting the voice of Samay.
OP: You are a voice-over artiste for 22,000 recordings so far. What comes to your mind when a script is given to you?
Bhimani: Script is just a written copy. Everybody can read it out. Nobody will listen to you unless you add something. I add value to the script. I don’t read the script while recording, I speak to my listeners. This is how I reach the people. I appreciate actor Balraj Sahni.
OP: You have scripted many TV serials including Subah (drug-based serial) and Inkaar (Say No to Drugs). Why did you write contradictory stories? Was it pre-planned?
Bhimani: Subah was adapted from a Tamil Novel. This serial received rave reviews. The serial talked about drugs and how the youth enjoy them. Later, the Government of India asked us to telecast another serial which will send a message of ‘Saying No to Drugs’. Then I wrote script for it.
OP: What projects are you working on currently?
Bhimani: I am working on audio books. I have also scripted a story for an English movie and working on an audio app. This apart, I am part of the sequel to ISIS: Enemies of Humanity. The sequel is ISIS: National Security Advisor. The shooting will start June 12.
