‘Your voice must communicate,’ says Karan Tacker who made his podcast debut with Droh

What made you take up the podcast?

I play a cop who is a part of an undercover unit that investigates high-profile cases. The role piqued my interest. One of the reasons for wanting to do the show is its storyline. It’s fast, intriguing, and the plot is incredible.

Any special preparation you did to give voice to a cop’s character?

Oh yes. We had multiple sessions focusing on the development of the character that I play – Police Inspector Samrat Singh. The backstory of the character and the journey it takes through the season is intriguing. We spent hours cracking the code on Samrat’s psychology, behaviour and style of speaking.

What can the listeners expect from Droh?

Droh is an action-packed audio drama with multiple plot twists and turns. This is not like any other audio show you have ever heard. The storyline moves by the minute, there is tension, and the characters in the show share a complex web of relationships. I believe that Indian audiences have evolved and expected more from a series than just action.

How is your character different from other films/shows that have featured Mumbai police?

Samrat’s character has nuances. The events in his life have influenced the way he acts. Samrat’s life and career journey reveal new dynamics to the audience. Imagine a cool-headed master of negotiation becomes an angry young cop. His journey from the first episode to the last is unlike any other cop’s journey you’ve seen.

How do you see the future of podcasts in India?

The future is audio. When I’m taking a break between shoots, I enjoy listening to music and podcasts. And I’m sure everyone enjoys taking a break from the screen by listening to music or podcasts. Indians have always loved music, and now they have podcasts to entertain them too!

How easy or difficult is a podcast compared to acting on screen?

It’s challenging, but a lot of fun! One might think that acting through voice is just mouthing dialogues into a mic. Let me tell you, it is critical that the voice-over has the correct pitch, modulation, and emotion. Acting on screen has additional options like facial expressions and body language. In audio, your voice must communicate all the above.

What genre of podcasts do you like the most?

I love podcasts. I love listening to audio dramas and non-fiction shows alike. Recently, I’ve heard Dear Teenage Me and Virus 2062 on Spotify. Loved the shows.