Mumbai. Rajesh Khattar, who has dubbed for many Hollywood films along with acting in Bollywood, is rich in versatile talent. Now he has given voice to the blood god in the recently released animated web series 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood'. Excerpts from the conversation with him...

Which dreams have been fulfilled in the long journey of two decades and which are still incomplete?

I came to Mumbai from Delhi for acting. Lucky that I started getting work here. Then as it happens with everyone, sometimes you get work and sometimes you don't. Did many different things then. Many of my dreams have been fulfilled in this journey, but I have to do many different characters in the future, which will be challenging and fun too. Now the focus is on that. I am not bound by any image of a comedian, villain or hero. I can play every kind of character.

You have given voice in many films including Hollywood cinema. Who recognized this talent of yours?

Dubbing director Leela Ghosh was the first person who heard my voice in her own style. I was recording for my work only. As soon as I came out the director introduced me to him. He asked if I wanted to give voice to others too? I had never done anything like this before but it started from there. After this I gave voice to some characters, which people liked very much. I also started enjoying this work. Till now I have given voice to more than 400 films. Sometimes I feel that if royalty had been prevalent here, perhaps my seven generations would not have had to earn.

Do dubbing artists not get their rights?

This is true. Although the situation is better than before. Today people know and recognize me. I have a different fan base. Of course things have changed a lot. 15 years ago no one knew who had given voice to whom. Now names have been started in the credits. Earlier, if you were voicing a main character, it was hidden because it was bad for the hero or heroine. If you see, the truth is that the careers of John Abraham, Rani Mukherjee, Katrina Kaif did not start with their voice.

How was your experience of being the voice of Blood God?

You get a project from SS Rajamouli sir, you first say yes, then ask what is your work because his name is so big in itself. I am a big fan of his work. When the character of Rakta Devta was told to me, there was no question of not doing it. He is a very powerful villain. Rest of the other characters are established whereas this is a new character so the responsibility increases.

When your son Ishaan Khattar entered the industry, what were your thoughts about his career?

I think he is going in the right direction. Earlier I had given him some options but he did not do it. Later it seemed that his decision was right. His taste is very good. I am happy with his work. His personality is very strong as he is not affected by the activities around him. It's an unsafe industry, but honestly I find my son very safe at my place and that's something I really appreciate.