Exclusive! As an Artist, I Love Experimenting: RJ Malishka

Popular content creator RJ Malishka has connected with whosthat360 for an exclusive conversation. In the chit-chat, she gets candid about her upcoming projects & much more.

Excerpts...

Can you share your experience of lending your voice to the emotion of anxiety in the Hindi film 'Inside Out 2'? What drew you to this role?

I got called by Ellie, the dubbing director with whom I've done other films before, like The Incredibles and Lion King. She auditioned my voice for Pixar who approved it as the best match. 

I loved Inside Out 1 so much that I knew I had to do this. It was also a great way to channel the one emotion everyone has, hates, and yet to make an impact. Anxiety is the villain in a way in this story but a villain that wants the best for Riley. Her methods are very antithetical to Joy obviously, who is more carefree- is well-sweep-things -under-the-rug,  kind of emotion. Joy is also the emotion we all crave and want maximum of… Anxiety believes that Joy's methods are outdated for Riley's new life and thinks she keeps Riley safe. But her methods are self-doubt, worry, pretense, and in essence a full change of personality. It's a very interesting film and I've heard that even though it looks like it's a children's film adults are more likely to learn more from it. I've heard that people have been weeping in theatres when it hits them what emotions especially anxiety can do to one's happiness and world-view. 

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How did you prepare for voicing such a complex and universal emotion as anxiety?

It is universal and nobody has ever escaped anxiety. We have only learned how to befriend the emotion and deal with it as best as possible. Therein is the triumph and this film will show you that. So, I channeled that feeling along with the breathing that would go with being anxious. There was a lot of pitching up of voice as opposed to my normal voice which is more on deep, I would have a lot of hand movements and channeling of all the stuttering I've ever done while feeling nervous. Then there's the mouth movement match because we are following the English language dub and sometimes the mouth movements and words don't match. Here the dubbing directors and we improvise as well to see what else might fit. It was fun to play her. 

You are portraying Sarojini Naidu in Nikkhil Advani's upcoming series 'Freedom at Midnight'. What preparation you did do for this character?

When I heard the narration of what Sarojini Naidu was like I was quite convinced that I would do this. I was also very nervous but the more I read about her and spoke to the casting director Kavish Sinha and his team at Kayroll and Nikkhil Advani, the more convinced I was. I auditioned alongside many others and I've been told I fit her role perfectly. The team also was very helpful during prep and the shoot is still on. It's a fascinating story of our freedom for those who have read the book Freedom at Midnight and those who haven't to see this eventually. Fingers crossed.

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What other interesting stuff is coming up? 

I love experimenting and I believe a person who considers themself as an artist must explore every facet of their personality. I love speaking on the radio but I also love voice work which is quite different from speaking in your voice on air.

I'm an actor and I can't wait for you to watch Freedom at Midnight directed by Nikhil Advani coming soon. And as you mentioned I play Sarojini Naidu in it. 

Also, you've heard me rap before so a song and music video are out next month with the very awesome Kaam Bhaari and Sickflip called Naacho Re.it is my first commercial track with these fab artists and is a fun song that will get you dancing.

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Reflecting on your participation in shows like "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" and "Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi," how have these experiences influenced your career?

Every experience before the camera, if that's your jam, helps in shaping the artist you're becoming, I believe. I have a great love for adventure and a great love for exploring all aspects of the talents one possesses. Even greater is my passion for ‘trying it out'. Even if something is frightening to me at first, I make every attempt to go beyond and find out what lies there. Dancing, singing, and performing have been a part of my childhood and college years and healthy competition is always great. These shows have only helped me know what I want to do better, which is to be an artist first. 

Stay tuned for the second part of this conversation...