Meet the funny, chirpy, always smiling go-getting 29-year-old Indian voiceover sensation and comedian Akanksha Sharma, who became a hit as the voice of Shin-chan, the popular Japanese anime character.
However serious the situation or sad the song, Sharma can turn it around by giving it a hilarious twist of Shin-chan.
For the past seven to eight years, Sharma has been tickling people's funny bones with her hilarious mimicry of mischievous Shin-chan, in Hindi.
However, perfecting the Shin-chan argot took two months of voice rehearsal and practice.
"This voice has a very different texture. It takes a lot of effort from the voice box. Just like in singing, there are a set of sargams [musical notes] that you have to follow. When I started off, no one told me about that. So I didn't have any technical help. But I practised it a lot and honed my god-given gift. It took me two months to master the voice. It was a very difficult two months, but many good years followed," Sharma told Sputnik.
From then on, Sharma has soared higher and higher, establishing herself as the voice behind Shin-chan, Doraemon, Cussly, and many other anime favourites.
She also lent her voice to the Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar, worked on several web series, dubbed for documentaries, and the WWE wrestling championship.
Radio Jockey: Stepping Stone to Becoming Voiceover Artist
Sharma's journey of becoming a popular voiceover artist started off as a radio jockey (RJ).
Her life took a big turn when she emerged victorious in the RJ Hunt contest of 2013, which paved the way for her to work at one of India's leading radio channels.
However, within a short time, she decided to aim higher and turned to the voiceover industry.
"I was told that my voice was not fit for radio. So I found a platform where my voice fitted best. Now, I'm just happy. Some things which seem bad turn out to be for the good in the long run," Sharma said.
"I didn't see the dream of becoming a voice artist. In fact, I didn't even know that I had a talent for voice. Someone around me told me that and there is a voice industry," Sharma said.
Stand-up Gig
After her short stint as RJ, Sharma dabbled in stand-up comedy which became her first love.
"I enjoy [stand-up comedy] a lot. I think my motive is just to make people laugh. No matter which streams it is, dubbing, stand-up comedy, or writing, I just like spreading smiles," Sharma said.
"When it comes to comedy, I get to be myself. I get to relive my life's funny moments. What else does anyone want? If they can be themselves, and then get to be different people also, and then get paid for it - wow! That's a deal you can't say 'No' to," Sharma added.
Because the voiceover industry is not conventional, it took some time for her parents to recognise that pursuing a career as a radio jockey or stand-up comedian could be a practical and profitable option.
"My parents have been very supportive about being not supportive [laughs]. That time around, my parents used to think 'Our kid has gone mad'. They never knew exactly what a voiceover industry is, how radio jockeys can afford three meals a day. According to them, it's a very unconventional field and so is stand-up comedy. They were waiting for me to get too discouraged and then return to them and say that they were right," Sharma said.
But now everyone is happy.
"Today, we are actually living in a day when the unconventional field has become the main center of attraction for everyone. So now, I don't have to justify it to [my parents]," Sharma added.
It was during her stint as a stand-up comedian that she found her husband who is also a comedian.
"I kind of turned around only then. Then I had to come back to that point after marriage," Sharma said.
Mantra For Success
Talking about her secret to success, Sharma said: "It's 'Neeki ker, Insta* pe daal, or YouTube or any online platform."
"If you have a skill, put it up there, you will get noticed. People will love you. And with that appreciation, it gets to fuel your dream. just keep on creating something new that you like. And then eventually people will like it," she added.
What's Next?
Sharma is all gung-ho about her upcoming project which she says is going to be huge.
Not willing to spill the beans about her project, Sharma shared that this is the first time she has voiced a rude character.
"I've never been so rude. And I'm like, this is interesting to explore."
*Activity of Meta (Facebook and Instagram) is banned in Russia over extremism