Try recording at fast, slow and medium pace. Take note of tone and pitch. Just like singers need to do “RIYAZ” a voice actor needs practice daily. Make show reels and post on social media platforms.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I was born and brought up in the happening Mumbai city which is loaded with opportunities. I have a degree in Bachelor of Commerce. I started my career as a Cabin crew for Saudi Arabian Airlines I flew for 5 years and then I got married.
I was based in Saudi Arabia so after marriage I quit flying. My husband, Capt. Murtuza Poonawala is a pilot and we have our sweetheart daughter Sarah. I have always been active I can never sit at home idle.
So what next? I learnt Fashion Designing and while doing that I was always appreciated for my designs and embroidery in the institute and bagged appreciation certificates too. I worked as a freelance fashion designer and did very well. But, I was never completely satisfied I felt I lacked passion.
I knew about voice industry as my friend, who’s my mentor too, is a voice artist. I decided to take a complete voice modulation training and learnt technical sound engineering details and here I am Voice Artist Alifya.
2. What inspired you to become a voice over artist?
I was always inspired by news readers. Their voice, tone, their style and confidence. As a child I loved reading out loud in public. But, unfortunately I couldn’t do that as I had speech defect.
I had severe stammering problem. I couldn’t even say one line with consistency. I was bullied too! My parents tried all sorts of remedies to get me over this problem, but nothing worked.
Until university years I was still struggling with speech defect. I didn’t realize when my speech became absolutely perfect and I landed a job in the airlines. Which I really thank God for and I believe it’s a blessing a true blessing.
After I stopped working as a fashion designer this thought of getting into voice industry popped up. I never thought I would take this up as a full time job. As of today, THIS IS MY LIFE MY WORK MY PASSION. I am in the happiest state of mind when am recording. Today I am working with multiple clients and my emails are always full with projects. Thank God!
3. Do you often have to keep up skilling yourself?
Absolutely! This is required in every field. Voice actors are similar to actors working on screen. As a screen actor you have the privilege to express through your gestures and facial expressions. These privileges are barred for a voice actor.
We have to read the script in such a way that the listener is able to imagine the scene just by listening to a voice artist. So it’s difficult, but NOT impossible! Practice Patience and Perseverance is the key to a successful career. Besides this, command over other regional languages is an added advantage.
I do voice overs in English Hindi Guajarati and Marathi. I have Knowledge of basic sound engineering and it’s a must as it helps to add quality to the recordings. The recordings have to be very clear and distinct, especially for projects like e-learning and instructional videos.
So, Dialect diction and clear speech are a must. Modulating voice gives additional benefit in getting more work. Like I give voice to teens, young adult, middle-aged and recently I also gave voice to under 12 voice over project.
4. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become a voice artist?
To get into voice acting first get yourself trained by a professional institute. If you wish to take this up as your profession than get your home recording studio set up ready. Hone your skills! Practice practice and practice.
Try recording same script and give variations. Try recording at fast, slow and medium pace. Take note of tone and pitch. Just like singers need to do “RIYAZ” a voice actor needs practice daily. Make show reels and post on social media platforms.
Appreciation and feedback will build your confidence and you will very know where you stand in this field. And 99% there are chances you will get paid projects from expected clients. Confidence will follow automatically if you know your work well. With every project you learn.
As an artist you are always learning this path is never ending so never have arrogance rule you once you are successful and confident. Passion is the key to success and success leads to confidence and above all belief in your own self is the ultimate.
5. Who is your role model and why?
My Role model is my dad. I always admired this quality in him that he never gave up easily. And no matter how much time it took he always waited peacefully for the job to be done.
And he truly believed that it will be done. He taught me how to believe in myself. He always told me the more you enjoy your journey towards your goal, you will reach your goal faster.
6. What is your mantra of success?
- Patience if you really want success.
- Practice to become the master in your field
- Passion will always keep you going
- Confidence
- Be humble compassionate and kind
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is one of my favorites. It’s a book on law of attraction. And I truly believe that what you think you attract. What you think you become. I always dreamt that one day I will fluently read and speak. And today I am a voice over artist. Dreams do come true. BELIEVE!
- Alifya Poonawala
There are two things I love doing, rather passionate about. Voice Overs and dubbing. I love to read too, and have volunteered to read stories to kids in my society and schools. I truly enjoy the various Voice modulations we perform when narrating a story.
Hence I also love doing
In today's busy world many professionals, students, and people in general don’t have time to read, and that’s where I come in to help.
Currently I am working as a Freelancer Voice over Artist. I am a certified voice artist from GCORP MEDIA which is into training Voice Over artists. My First Break was for a gaming App called ‘GAMESA’.
I have also done voice-over for
I have also explored Audio Visuals for famous commercials like Kofeez, Homeopathy cough syrup, Vaseline, VIP bags, Singer home appliances, Nivea Creams, Clovia, Asics shoes and many more.
I do Lip Sync for documentary movies character voices with voice modulation for various companies.
I have a special set up for a voice over recording studio at home for voice overs. Hence, it’s convenient and saves a lot of commuting time to studios.
I have excellent command over ENGLISH, HINDI, GUJARATI, and MARATHI Languages and have done IVR’s on regular basis in all the above mentioned languages. Along with this I also offer language translation services to my clients with the help of my team.
I Have Recorded 2000+ Voice Over Projects In English, Hindi, Gujarati & Marathi
IN DIFFERENT GENRES, I HAVE A HUGE CLIENTELE HERE IN INDIA AS WELL AS ABROAD.
- Website: Alifya Poonawala
- Youtube: Alifya Poonawala
- Instagram: Alifya Poonawala
- Interviewed By Anamika Ajith
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