Whether you happen to be a Bigg Boss fan or not, you cannot deny the fact that the rock-solid voice of Vijay Vikram Singh has surely spell a cast over everyone hearing it, making the reality show even more interesting and fascinating to watch.
Storiyaan brings to you an exclusive interview of Vijay Vikram Singh, the narrator’s voice in the Indian reality show Bigg Boss. He is a voice–over artist who has done narration for eleven seasons of Big Boss along with other reality shows like Fear Factor, Masterchef and Indian Idol. Vijay Vikram Singh has also made his debut as an actor in shows like The Family Man, Mirzapur 2, and Breathe 2 and has done a plethora of other compelling projects in his journey in the industry.
Let’s dive into an interesting conversation with Vijay Vikram Singh and hear the unheard voice of the voice of Bigg Boss.
Vijay Vikram Singh: A Voice Touched Millions
Interview
Questions and answers
You have done an MBA in International Business. What made you take this leap of faith to become a voice-over artist?
After pursuing my MBA, I was working at a corporate firm and was posted in Mumbai. Coming here I realised that I had a good voice and could use it for something other than singing. It took me some time to get a hang of it and I did face a lot of rejections like the rest. Even though I knew this is what I wanted to do, I was a little sceptical. However, with the support of my wife and family, I took a leap of faith and started my journey as a voice-over artist.
How did you start your journey as an actor and can you tell us about your experience on the sets of Family Man?
I happened to start my journey as an actor accidentally. After five to six years of voicing, someone advised me to join the theatre to improve my voice. From theatre, I got into acting and started auditioning for roles, and landed a role in Family Man. I was completely in awe with everything that was happening around me. It was during the shooting of the second season that I really enjoyed the whole experience and spent time with so many great actors and directors.
Everyone knows you as the voice behind Big Boss. Could you give us an insight into how you got this role?
It is a very famous misconception that I am Big Boss. I am only the narrator’s voice. This show came into my life in 2010 when they were looking for a narrator. I was asked to submit a CD and got a call for auditions two months later. I got selected and have narrated 11 seasons to date. The fun fact is that people only recognize me as the voice behind Big Boss when in reality I have been a part of a number of reality shows like Indian Idol, Dance India Dance, Fear Factor, and many more.
You started your journey as an RJ and eventually moved on to become a voice-over artist and an actor. How has your journey in this industry been so far?
This was a journey of exploration and that too an amazing one. Usually, you are so busy and engrossed in your job that you fail to explore yourself and lose touch with your real side. If I had been working a regular job, I would have limited myself. All the things I have seen and experiences in the last eleven years have provided me with some wonderful memories. It feels good when I am on the streets and people recognise and come up to me.
What has been the greatest setback of your life and how did you overcome it?
From a very young age, many people have a dream and they put their heart and soul into it to achieve it. I dreamt of becoming an Army Officer but got rejected at the age of 21. Some people are able to get over setbacks quickly and some take time to heal. Watching my dream shatter in front of my eyes also shattered my heart. I sank into depression and alcoholism. It took me six years to get out of it and had to change my whole mindset. Things started to take a positive turn when I started thinking positively. As they say, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” And all of it did make me strong.
You have been a part of the media industry for a very long time. What is one thing that you would like to change about this industry?
I am not even a cog in the wheel to say that I want to change anything about this industry. I have taken a lot from this industry. This is a question like “What would you want to change about your parents?” Everything has its imperfections and so does this industry. These little imperfections have made it this special and I have never felt that anything major needs to be changed about it.
Can you tell us about your first project and the experience you gained from it?
My first ever project was of voicing for Dance India Dance Season 1. I was looking for work and handed over a CD to someone who was working with Zee at that time. It was a matter of luck that I got the part but I was still very grateful for it. That was my first show and I had an extremely wonderful experience. There were times when I would stay in the studio overnight to do a voice-over but I loved the job so I kept on working harder.
What were some of the struggles faced by you in your initial days and do you feel grateful and blessed with where you stand right now?
My biggest struggle in the initial days was not to get work. Being persistent has always helped me and no matter what the job was I just keep working. I feel very blessed that I have been able to complete eleven years in the voicing industry and it has enabled me to get into acting. I feel extremely proud when people ask for a picture with me. It is a big thing for a person who has come from a small city. I feel absolutely blessed.
Can you tell us about a fan moment that you had that left you smiling and feeling grateful?
There have been a few moments that made me feel really proud and happy about my work. I remember a person commented on Facebook that when I speak, I give feelings to words. That is something I will remember for life. Also, there was a time when Ranveer Singh had come to Super Dancer and we had made a video for him. I had narrated that set and it has become special due to the fact that Ranveer Singh loved it so much that he had tears in his eyes. Such moments come and go and always leave me motivated to work even harder and better.
Voice modulation isn’t easy and requires a lot of practice and training. What advice would you give to people who want to enter this industry?
Having command over the language is very important if you want to get into this field. If anyone wants to enter this industry, they should know that patience and perseverance are very important here. You are not guaranteed work every time but if you have patience and continue to work hard to achieve your goal, you will reach the greatest of heights.
Can you tell us about your hobbies and interests? What does a regular workday in your life look like?
I have always had a liking for sports and I like to play badminton in my free time. Well, everything has been irregular since COVID. Before that, there were times when I used to enter my home at 12 in the night and would have to leave by 6 a.m. again. Sometimes, the schedule was so hectic that I used to sleep in the backseat of my car when I was given a break in between recordings. Besides that, I make sure to spend some time with my family.
What is a message that you would like to give to your younger self?
If I could learn something in the past would be the acceptance of failure in life. Our society celebrates success but we also need to learn that life is not only about that. The most important lessons you learn in life is through failures. I just want everyone to know that life is not only about success and failure; it is about working hard and never giving up to achieve your dreams.
Quick 5
a. One celebrity that you were star-struck after meeting?: Salman Khan
b. One hobby about you that no one knows about?: There is no such secret hobby. People know about my hobbies.
c. Your favourite book?: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
d. Big Boss to you is?: It’s a reflection of life. You will get to know how someone who is a villain can become a hero in two weeks.
e. A person you look up to?: I draw a lot of inspiration from myself. In terms of fitness, it is Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble.