Dimple Kapadia on working in film 'Jumbo'

By Bollywood Hungama News Network

The latest animation film Jumbo will be hitting the screens this Christmas. Though we already know that the film is about an elephant (whose voice is given by Akshay Kumar), we decided to find out how the mother elephant was doing. For the uninitiated, Dimple Kapadia has given the voice over for Devi, Jumbo's mother in the film. And well, the veteran actress is also Akshay's mother-in-law in real life.

You are not doing many films these days. Then what made you do an animation film?
Jumbo is very sweet, an emotional story... it is about family love, togetherness, which is a lovely message. It is something we all know but somewhere down the line, we refuse to believe it. The film beautifully talks about the power of god. How god guides us in our journey of life. Also all the characters are so endearing. I had no reason not to agree to the film.

It is said that Akshay convinced you to do the film?
Well, it was Akshay who brought the film to me... then I saw the film. I liked it a lot and that is why I agreed to do it. The film is special as it gave the opportunity to play mother to my real life son-in-law.

Tell us about your character?
I play the mother of Jumbo in the film. She is extremely protective and caring about her child. It is a very endearing character.

How well do you think has your voice suited the character?
I feel it has suited well, it should actually. My voice sounds like that of an elephant (Laughs). My voice is quite hoarse.

You play the protective mother of Jumbo. How are you as a mother in real life?
I am personally very protective about my daughters and now for Aarav. I have a tendency to act as a shield for them against all the possible odds in life. I understand that it is good to leave your children and allow them to face the world themselves... I did realize that in life. But then somewhere down the line, I have never been able to be so relaxed. I end up being like this... a little pain to them is like death for me.

Is the film targeting only at kids?
Yes... They will really enjoy the film. But then it is for everyone. Whoever likes to watch a family film will like it.

How different was the experience from acting in films to just giving a voiceover?
Initially I was skeptical. I thought it would be very different, but then I found there isn't much of a difference actually. Out here it is just that one is acting through the voice. You still feel the character the way you do otherwise. In fact one needs to feel the emotions all the more.

Which other animated films have you seen and liked the best?
I love animation films. In fact Aarav and I watch all the animated films together. We both love Finding Nemo and The Lion King. And now Aarav is really looking forward to watch Jumbo along with me.

How was it to work with Akshay?
Wonderful...Like I said I got to play his mom. So that makes me feel very happy.

What do you think of Akshay as an actor?
He is fantabulous. He has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. In fact he is growing constantly with each of his films. I adore him a lot as an actor and enjoy watching all his films.

It was speculated that Aarav wanted to dub for the film...
Yes, he really wanted to give voice for the film. He loves animation flicks, so he was excited when he heard about the film and by learning that Akshay and me are part of it got him all the more excited. I remember an incident when we both were together and I had to go for the recording. Akshay was out of country and Aarav really insisted me on taking him to the recording studio. He was trying so hard to convince me to let him lend voice to a character but then I couldn't take any decision since Akshay was not there. Moreover, Aarav had his exams, so I had a tough time explaining him.

What is the USP of Jumbo?
Jumbo for me is all about emotions. The message according to me would be that emotion can surmount mountain.

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