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Who’s the Voice Behind Doraemon? A Heartfelt and Hilarious Adventure with Sonal Kaushal!

Unveiling the Secrets of a Beloved Cartoon Icon Tales from the Studio: A Journey into the World of Voice Acting

- By Sabiha Gulrays

Join Sonal Kaushal, the voice behind Doraemon, as she shares her inspiring journey from childhood mimicry to voice acting stardom. Discover the magic of her career, balancing motherhood, and her passion for bringing characters to life. Sonal's story is a delightful mix of perseverance, humour, and dedication.

From Radio Waves to Robo-Cat: The Early Days  

In a world dominated by visuals, voice actors are the hidden wizards who enchant us with their vocal spells. Meet Sonal Kaushal, the magical voice behind the iconic Doraemon. In a whimsical chat with Sharanya, Co-founder of mapabear, Sonal reveals her unique journey and the secrets behind her enchanting voice. Her passion began in childhood, mimicking characters for fun, which unexpectedly turned into a flourishing career. The audition for Doraemon was nerve-wracking yet thrilling, leading her into a magical realm of bringing the character to life. She dives deep into Doraemon's essence through extensive watching and collaborative fine-tuning. A memorable moment was being recognized by a young fan, reinforcing her love for the craft. Despite the challenge of meeting high fan expectations, she advises aspiring voice actors to practice, embrace versatility, and have fun. Sonal's journey is a testament to how magic and heart can turn dreams into reality.  

A Family of Sound: Where the Magic Began  

Sonal's adventure into voice acting started with her mom, an announcer at All India Radio. "I was a tiny tot when my mom took me to All India Radio for kids' programs. I auditioned for a radio play when I was 8 or 9 years old and got picked," Sonal recalls, eyes twinkling. This early start planted the seeds for her future stardom, leading her to audition for her most famous role at just age of 13.  

Doraemon Destiny: A Twist in the Tale  

The journey to becoming Doraemon was a mix of magic and a bit of luck. "I auditioned for Doraemon, which was a brand new world for me. The original Japanese voice sounded robotic. I tried that but soon switched to my natural voice. The team loved it!" Sonal beams. This unique twist made Doraemon a beloved character in India, adding a special charm. Sonal's portrayal brought a fresh, relatable energy to the character, making Doraemon a favorite among children and adults alike. Her voice became synonymous with joy, laughter, and endless adventures.  

Sonal Kaushal with daughter Siara
Sonal Kaushal with her daughter Siara | Photography credit - Viva Babe

Vocal Gymnastics: The Art of Voice Modulation  

Sonal's talent for creating diverse characters comes from her knack for vocal gymnastics. "When I moved to Mumbai in 2013, I was asked to voice a boy. I doubted myself at first, but with support and practice, I nailed it," she shares. This discovery opened doors to characters like Chhota Bheem, showcasing her incredible range.  

Wacky Voices and Whimsical Characters  

Sonal's gallery of characters is filled with whimsical voices that tickle our funny bones. Take Budhdeb from "Bandbudh Aur Budbak," for instance. "Budhdeb is such a goofy kid. Whenever I do his voice on stage, kids just can't stop laughing," Sonal chuckles. Another standout role was a villain in a Disney show, a challenging but rewarding experience that stretched her vocal talents.  

Supermom Chronicles: Balancing Baby and Booth  

Motherhood brought a new set of challenges and joys for Sonal. "After my daughter Siara was born, I started making motherhood reels on Instagram. It kept me busy and connected with my fans," she says. Her journey highlights the art of balancing a thriving career with the demands of motherhood, finding joy in every moment. These reels quickly became popular, showcasing her ability to blend humor and heartfelt moments. Through her posts, Sonal not only shares her experiences but also inspires other mothers to embrace the beautiful chaos of parenting.  

Mini-Me: A Daughter’s Delight in Mom’s Voices  

Sonal's daughter, Siara, may not fully grasp her mom's fame but loves the playful voices and rhymes. "She's a fantastic mimic! If I say 'Kaw-Kaw' for a crow, she instantly echoes it," Sonal says with pride. This playful bonding shows how Sonal’s professional talents enrich her personal life.  

Rest is Best: A New Mom’s Wisdom  

Sonal emphasizes the importance of rest for new mothers, sharing her own experiences. "Those first 40 days post-delivery are crucial. They set the tone for your recovery and the next 40 years of your life," she advises with a smile. This sage advice, delivered with a touch of humor, resonates deeply with new parents.  

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Sonal Kaushal with husband Utkarsh Bali | Photography credit - Shridhar Ganeri
Instagram Magic: Parenting in the Digital Age  

For Sonal, Instagram has been a treasure trove of parenting tips. "It’s all about how you use it. I learn so much about motherhood from Instagram," she says. This tech-savvy approach to parenting fits perfectly with the fast-paced, connected world we live in. Beyond just learning, Sonal also shares her own tips and tricks, creating a supportive community for parents.   

The Never-Ending Adventure: A Tale of Passion and Perseverance  

Sonal’s story is a celebration of resilience, adaptability, and passion, resonating far beyond the realms of voice acting. From a little girl at All India Radio to the beloved voice of Doraemon, her journey is a delightful blend of heart and humor, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. Her ability to juggle a demanding career and motherhood, all while keeping her spirits high, makes her a true inspiration, reminding us that with the right attitude, anything is possible.  

In the end, Sonal Kaushal's tale isn’t just about voice acting; it's a heartfelt journey of joy, transformation, and connection. Through a unique blend of heart and humor, Sonal shows us that embracing change can lead to incredible adventures. Her story is a testament to the magic of passion and perseverance, reminding us that we can bring any character to life, both on screen and in our own lives, by staying true to ourselves and spreading joy along the way.  

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Photography credit - Shridhar Ganeri 


 

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