Sir Ben Kingsley (voice of “Bagheera”) Interview
When I found out that I would be attending and walking the Red Carpet for the worldwide premiere of Disney The Jungle Book, I was so excited. That it is a pretty big deal right. Then when I found out that we would be interviewing Sir Ben Kingsley, I was beside myself. Seriously have you ever her met a knight, me either. This man, he has won an Oscar, Grammy, BAFTA, two Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Good grief, it’s Gandhi people.
That all said, I think we were all a bit nervous but as you can see, it was genuinely touched by our clapping when he entered the room. I am sure the New York Times movie critic doesn’t clap when he enters the room.
BEVERLY HILLS – APRIL 04 – Actor Sir Ben Kingsley during the “The Jungle Book” press junket at the Beverly Hilton on April 4, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Becky Fry/My Sparkling Life for Disney)
Sir Ben Kingsley is the voice of “Bagheera” in The Jungle Book. Bagheera is a sleek panther who feels it’s his duty to help the man-cub depart with dignity when it’s time for him to leave his jungle home. “Bagheera is Mowgli’s adoptive parent,” says Ben Kingsley, who lends his voice to Bagheera. “His role in Mowgli’s life is to educate, to protect and to guide. My Bagheera was military–he’s probably a colonel. He is instantly recognizable by the way he talks, how he acts and what his ethical code is.”
In approaching the role, Kingsley stated that if there is a genuine pattern of recognizable human behavior, even with the animals and that it offers entertainment or comfort then he wants to be a part of it. Otherwise if it’s an invention or doesn’t have that human element, it doesn’t really excite.
In discussing his co-star, Neel Sethi he was very complimentary especially the scenes with the animals. And remember Neel’s character Mowgli is the only human in the movie. So he was playing opposite green screen and puppets through the entire shoot so for Sir Ben Kingsley to pay a first time actor that type of compliment is amazing.
Does he relate to Baghera, the more straight arrow parent type or the fun loving Baloo? I was surprised he said both and stated, “I think we are all both.”
Fun facts:
- He had not seen screened the movie and would be seeing it for the first time at the world premiere the night we interviewed him.
- The voice over work took over a year.
- He actually was able to work with Neel for two days during the movie shoot, establishing a dynamic with the young actor.
BEVERLY HILLS – APRIL 04 – Group photo with Sir Ben Kingsley during the “The Jungle Book” press junket at the Beverly Hilton on April 4, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Becky Fry/My Sparkling Life for Disney)
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THE JUNGLE BOOK opens in theatres everywhere in 3D, RealD 3D, and IMAX 3D on April 15th!
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom’s travel and accommodations to attend the The Jungle Book event is being covered by Disney. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
