‘Audio show is more intimate, technical’

Adarsh Gourav

Adarsh Gourav is building an interesting resume. Where he is leading the YA movie, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, he is equally at home in the international project, Extrapolations. Naturally, when the opportunity to be a part of the DC universe came his way, he jumped at it. The White Tiger actor recently lent his voice for Audible's The Sandman in Hindi. So, how does one of the most promising actors of Bollywood's young crop give his own interpretation to the foul-mouthed, temperamental John Constantine? Gourav gives us the lowdown.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Have you been a fan of graphic novels?
I have read a few graphic novels. I have, of course, heard of the DC universe character, The Sandman, and knew that Neil Gaiman had written it. But I have not read it. When I got the opportunity to dub for Constantine [his character], I knew of the existing audio show on the [subject].

The story of The Sandman, as a comic series, is vast. Where do you figure in the scheme of things?
The story is about Sandman, also called Lord Morpheus, who is dragged from his realm and imprisoned on earth. While he escapes, in order to regain his power, he has to reacquire three things - [ruby, helm, and pouch]. He then goes to hell and meets characters like Lucifer Morningstar and William Shakespeare, among others. John Constantine is an occult detective [with magic powers], an anti-hero of sorts. He is aggressive, foul-mouthed, has a temper problem, and can go to any extent to get the job done.

Is this your first brush with the audio medium?
This is my first audio project with Audible, but I have done some audio work before. I had dubbed for the Hindi version of Ryan Reynolds's movie, Free Guy [2021]. I have done voiceover for ads too.
Would the show have been a better opportunity if it was a visual fare?
I would love all of us - Manoj [Bajpayee], Neeraj [Kabi], Vijay [Varma], Tillotama [Shome], Sushant [Divgikar], Kubbra [Sait] and Tabu - to be a part of it if it ever comes out [as a series].

How was the recording process?
We were all recording for the show separately as per each one's availability. Before coming on board, I was made to hear the English version, and there was a lot of discussion that went into [finding Constantine's voice]. It was a methodical process.
When you are acting, you use multiple instruments of your body. In an audio show, it is much more intimate and technical when the sole focus is on your voice. It has to be designed to get the desired effect. It is tricky to find the voice. One has to understand the story and the character, to understand how the texture and pitch need to be so that it can appeal to a large number of people.

Is the show Indianised?
No, but because it is in Hindi, it is more accessible. There is a large population that prefers to listen to [stories] in Hindi. It is a brilliant move to adapt a successful franchise into Hindi.

There could easily be a spin-off on John Constantine, besides Hell Blazer.
I would love it if there is a spin-off in Hindi. I would jump at the opportunity.

What's next for you?
I am currently filming for Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. There is a gangster drama that will roll in December. Guns and Gulaabs with Raj-DK will come out this year. I shot for Apple TV's Extrapolations last year; that should also [release] this year.