See and hear him
Only a few recordings of Dr. Ambedkar survive. These come from official channels only: the BBC, Prasar Bharati (All India Radio and Doordarshan) and Films Division. Fan uploads, colourised copies and clips from feature films are left out, because some viral "original voice" clips are actually actors.
His own voice
Recordings of Dr. Ambedkar himself: a filmed BBC interview, a BBC radio interview and a speech in the Constituent Assembly.
BBC television interview on democracy in India
A rare film of him speaking: a BBC television interview about elections, democracy and caste. BBC Marathi first showed the full interview in April 2018.
What he saysAsked whether democracy will work in India, he says it will survive only in form, because a social structure built on inequality cannot sit with parliamentary democracy; the social structure must change.
“I am sick of speeches, we like to have action.”
Also from the BBC:From BBC News Marathi · YouTube ↗ · The Quint ↗ · Transcript, Round Table India ↗ · BBC Marathi ↗
Dated 1953 by the BBC; June 1953 according to The Quint.
BBC radio interview on Gandhi and the Poona Pact
The full BBC radio interview, sound only, shown over still pictures. He talks about Gandhi, the Round Table Conferences, the Poona Pact and how India became independent. The BBC re-released it from its archives in 2023.
What he saysHe describes his clash with Gandhi over separate electorates and the Poona Pact, says he agreed to save Gandhi's life only on fair terms, and says he never called Gandhi a Mahatma: he saw him as a politician.
“I am not going to save your life at the cost of life of my people.”
Also from the BBC:From BBC News India · YouTube ↗ · Transcript, Round Table India ↗ · Pritchett, 1950s timeline ↗
Speech in the Constituent Assembly on the Objectives Resolution
All India Radio archive audio of his speech on Nehru's Objectives Resolution, given while the Muslim League was staying away from the Assembly. The recording is attributed to the All India Radio archives by Prasar Bharati and by the Constitution of India museum.
What he saysHe says the Resolution lists rights but gives no remedies, urges the Assembly not to force the issue while the Muslim League is absent, and says he has no doubt that the country, divided as it is, will one day be united.
Recording as attributed by Prasar Bharati; we found no independent check of the voice.
From Prasar Bharati Archives · YouTube ↗ · Constitution of India museum ↗ · Full text in Vol. 13
Documentaries from official archives
Films about his life made by Films Division and Doordarshan. They may mix archive film with narration or staged scenes.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (Films Division, 1991)
The Government of India's documentary on his life, directed by Jabbar Patel and written by Daya Pawar, from the official Films Division channel. This is not the 2000 feature film.
A documentary made in 1991: it may mix archive film with narrated or staged scenes.
From Films Division · YouTube ↗ · Lok Sabha reply on the film ↗
Mooknayak: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Doordarshan documentary)
A Doordarshan archive documentary on his life and work as a leader, jurist, writer and campaigner against untouchability.
Year of production not given by the channel; it may mix archive film with narration.
From Prasar Bharati Archives · YouTube ↗
Videos play from YouTube in privacy-enhanced mode, and only after you press play. Know of another original recording on an official channel? Tell us.