Known as the powerful voice behind Bigg Boss, Vijay Vikram Singh has now carved a niche for himself in the acting world. From his deep baritone that captivated millions to his impactful performances in web series like Special Ops and The Family Man, Vijay’s journey is a tale of courage, passion, and reinvention. Recently, while attending an event in Lucknow, Vijay opened up about his life, career choices, and the challenges he faced.
A Bold Step: Leaving a Government Job for Passion
Vijay Vikram Singh’s career transformation began during his tenure at the Ministry of Steel. While posted in Mumbai, a chance encounter at a party changed his life. A friend’s suggestion that his voice had immense potential led him to a recording studio. This experience sparked a passion that would later define his career.
Despite the security of a government job, Vijay decided to take a leap of faith. He resigned and ventured into media sales at a radio station to stay closer to the world of audio. After three years, he turned his focus to theater, where his acting journey began.
The Shift to Acting: Encouragement and Challenges
During his theater days, Vijay met Mukesh Chhabra, the casting director for Dil Bechara. Inspired by Chhabra’s encouragement and his experience as a voice artist, Vijay decided to give acting a shot. His first break came with Manoj Bajpayee’s The Family Man, where he proved that his talent extended far beyond voiceovers.
While his transition wasn’t easy, Vijay embraced the challenges. “Acting is much more than facing the camera,” he said. “Retakes demand the recreation of emotions, which is not as simple as it seems.”
Voice Versus Acting: Two Distinct Disciplines
Vijay believes voice artistry and acting require separate skill sets. As a voice artist, he mastered the art of emoting through voice alone, often recording without visuals. Acting, on the other hand, required him to synchronize voice with body language, a skill he honed over time.
“When I work behind the scenes, my voice takes center stage. On screen, my focus shifts to embodying the character, letting the voice support the role,” he shared.
Teaching and Mentorship: A Surprising Connection
During his time in theater, Vijay mentored actress Sanjana Sanghi, who went on to star in Dil Bechara. Reflecting on this, he said, “Seeing my students succeed inspires me. Sanjana’s journey motivates me to keep growing.”
Overcoming Personal Struggles: A Second Lease on Life
Vijay’s life wasn’t without struggles. During his corporate career, he battled alcohol addiction, which severely affected his health. Admitted to PGI Lucknow, doctors gave him a slim 15% chance of survival. Miraculously, with the support of family, friends, and dedicated doctors, he recovered. “I consider this my second birth,” he said, attributing his love for Lucknow to this life-changing experience.
Thriving on the OTT Platform
Vijay credits the OTT boom for expanding opportunities for artists like him. “There’s no dearth of work for voice artists now,” he said, referring to the growing demand for dubbing and voiceovers as global content floods Indian platforms. “Theater taught me discipline; OTT gave me visibility.”
His roles in Special Ops and The Family Man showcased his versatility as an actor, earning him recognition both on and off-screen. “Seeing talented actors around you inspires constant learning,” Vijay remarked.
Working with Legends: A Dream Come True
Collaborating with stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, KK Menon, and Manoj Bajpayee has been a career highlight. “Sharing screen space with them is both humbling and inspiring,” Vijay said. “Their dedication pushes me to deliver my best.”
Advice for Aspiring Artists
To budding voice artists and actors, Vijay offers this advice: “Follow your passion, but be prepared for hard work. Voice artistry and acting require discipline, patience, and constant self-improvement.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With an inspiring journey marked by resilience and reinvention, Vijay Vikram Singh continues to break barriers in the entertainment industry. His ability to seamlessly transition between voice artistry and acting serves as a testament to his talent and determination. As he takes on new roles, Vijay remains an inspiration for anyone daring to chase their dreams.
