A few days ago, popular Malayalam director Fazil revealed the truth regarding the dubbing artist, who gave voice-over to the iconic character of Nagavalli for his 1993 hit movie "Manichitrathazhu". Through a write-up titled "Ormapookal" for Malayalam magazine Manorama weekly, Fazil had claimed that Sobhana's role of Nagavalli lived through the voice of Tamil dubbing artist Durga, even though Bhagyalakshmi was given credit for the work for the past 23 years.
After Fazil revealed the truth about the movie two decades later, Kerala audience have been attacking Bhagyalakshmi for taking the credit for Durga's work all these years. Now, Bhagyalakshmi has come forward to talk about the same.
"I haven't received any awards for this movie, then why should I be guilty in connection with this controversy. The makers have given credit to dubbing artists of the movie, but I don't understand why Durga's name was not included in it, isn't that unfair? I am not ashamed or guilty or sad about it, since I have come across these matters in my life," Bhagyalakshmi told Manorama news (translated from Malayalam).
Initially, it was Bhagyalakshmi, who lent the voice for Sobhana's character Ganga and Nagavalli for "Manichitrathazhu". On noticing the similarity between the two characters' voice, the makers had later asked Durga to dub Nagavalli's portion. However, Durga wasn't given any credit for her work, and Bhagyalakshmi was not informed about it by the makers.
"This is a controversy regarding an old movie and I don't understand its relevance now. Durga should have been given credit by director Fazil sir. I don't know why he didn't do that. It is him, who should answer that question. Let anyone take the credit of Nagavalli, am not sad about that," she added.
Meanwhile, Fazil has reportedly said that Durga's name was not included in the title as she dubbed for Nagavalli only after the titles were prepared. He also said that making changes to the title was a difficult task those days. Similarly, singer Venugopal's name was also not added even though he sang the title song of the movie.
Bhagyalakshmi is currently busy with a documentary related to the history of dubbing. "Since I have to work really hard for that, I am not interested in getting involved in the controversy now. I will respond on the matter once am done with the works of the documentary," the senior dubbing artist explained.
Bhagyalakshmi is also set to make her comeback to acting and she has completed shooting for upcoming movie "Paa.Va", in which she will be seen opposite Anoop Menon.
Check out the title song of "Manichitrathazhu" below:
