Take professional guidance to know how the industry works. Learning and practicing is what is important, earning follows automatically. Do not expect to get job enquires the moment you purchase a mic. Many artists perish midway because they do not have a constant endeavour to learn and practice. The more you rehearse, the more you shine.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I am originally from the beautiful city of Jaipur but I have grown up in different parts of India owing to my father’s transferable nature of job. I have seen so many cities, met various people and experienced so many cultures which has truly shaped my personality and made me who I am today.
I was always academically inclined, shy, studious kind of person. I had stage fear as a kid and always ran away from anything that involved people or a microphone. Also, I hated my voice for it was not girly and high pitched.
Cut to today, I love my mic and my voice even more. I have made a living out of something I thought, I was not meant for. Everyday I am learning and growing in this field. I am doing something that I love and I am truly meant for while raising two beautiful daughters in the comfort of my home.
2. What inspired you to become a voice over artist?
You sometimes meet right people at the right time. My college professor during my post graduation once said I have a good voice and that I should be part of college anchoring team. I thought she is not serious but the very next day, I got a script and with no interest whatsoever, I spent the entire day rehearsing.
I stood before a room full of people for the very first time in my entire life. I hosted the programme without any fumbles but behind the podium I was shivering the entire time. When the programme was over I decided I will never in my life do this again.
I was leaving the auditorium feeling low but to my surprise students as well as teachers came up to me appreciating my voice. First time in my life I was recognised for my voice. This sky rocketed my confidence. Slowly I was hosting all the college events. It was followed with anchoring professionally, Radio Jockeying and joining as a TV Host with DD Rajasthan. Then, slowly voice over projects for documentaries started coming in.I was getting known for my voice.
I still had no plans neither the guidance to take it up as a full time profession. So, being a gold medalist in MA (Clinical Psychology) I wanted to be a Professor as teaching was my first love. I went on to qualify NET exam and was almost ready to enroll for PhD but marriage happened before that.
After my professor, came the next person in my life, my husband who really inspired me to follow my real calling which is voice. He got me a home studio made and gave me all the assistance to dive into this industry with full throttle.
Even today, he is my true critic. He keeps on pushing me to do more, learn more and do all that it takes to be the best. So technically I started as a voice artist back in 2012 but I have taken it up as a full time profession since 2018. All thanks to him.
3. Do you often have to keep upskilling yourself?
I think every profession requires you to upskill yourself. Voice industry is no different. If you are a voice artist then having a basic idea about sound engineering, the right software and equipment can help you deliver quality output.
You need to venture out in different genres, languages and accents. Another important thing is the right pronunciations so, one needs to read well and learn to pronounce correctly.
Last but not the least is the art to sell. Digital marketing is equally important to make your presence felt.
4. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become a voice artist?
Having belief in oneself is the first step towards success. If you decide to be a voice artist then do not expect overnight success and if you want it to be a full time profession then give your 100%.
If you treat it as a side hustle, it will remain a side hustle always. To be confident in any field for that matter you need to empower yourself with the right knowledge, skills, guidance and practice. Polish your craft and learn about the industry.
Take professional guidance to know how the industry works. Learning and practicing is what is important, earning follows automatically. Do not expect to get job enquires the moment you purchase a mic. Many artists perish midway because they do not have a constant endeavour to learn and practice. The more you rehearse, the more you shine.
First learn, then earn.
5. Who is your role model and why?
My father is my role model. He keeps on inspiring me each and every day. He is so hardworking and dedicated towards his work and gives his 200% to anything that he takes up.
The way he takes out time from his schedule for all the stuff he likes. Be it his game of golf or be it yoga for his health. I never hear him complaining that I don’t have time. He just manages it so well and that is what I strive to inculcate in my life too.
He always says that nothing is impossible and consistency is the key to achieve anything you want in life. He never gets discouraged with obsctacles that come his way. He finds means to solve them and move ahead. This is what I want to be like. He has taught me to be assertive, always be a fighter and chase my dreams with full confidence. As a result, today I am what I am.
6. What is your mantra of success?
My mantra of success is a rather simple one.”What you think,you become.”
All your current thoughts and ideas shape your tomorrow. If you have fire in the belly and belief in yourself, you can get whatever you want. It’s the thoughts that shape you or break you. The thought is the first step that you take towards success.
So, have good and positive thoughts and act upon them with all your heart and soul. There is nothing that can stop you from succeeding.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
I love to read self help books.The list is long but if I have to pick one then it has to be “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” by Joseph Murphy. It makes you believe in yourself and most importantly in the power that your subconscious mind possesses. It changed my life.
I would strongly recommend everyone to read the book “The Power of your Subconscious Mind” by Dr. Joseph Murphy for easy techniques that can be applied in daily life for achieving what you want.
It talks about the infinite power within you. Whatever we are in life is all because of our subconscious mind and this book explains it wonderfully with examples that author himself encountered.
It changes the way we think and how we can turn our negative thoughts to positive and helps us to know how our subconscious mind works and with the help of which how we can improve our thoughts, health, wealth, and relationships.
Your life is your life as you are driving it. So drive it to success. Feel the magic your mind creates. Be blessed.
- Tamanna Balwada
Tamanna is a professional Indian voice-over artist with a warm, soothing and deep voice that sounds promising and friendly. She is fluent in English (Indian Accent) and Hindi languages. She has lent her voice to many TV and Radio commercials, documentaries, corporate films, explainer videos, e-learning projects, and audiobooks.
Tamanna was a Radio Jockey with 90.4 Radio Seven for two years where she hosted a variety of shows on varied contemporary topics. She has been associated with DD Rajasthan as a TV presenter. Apart from this, she has also anchored various social and corporate events.
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- Website: Tamanna Balwada
- Interviewed By Anamika Ajith
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