Sharad Kelkar who is currently seen in Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah’s newly launched show Tumm Se Tumm Tak, is known for his commanding screen presence and versatile roles across television and films. He recently opened up in a candid conversation about his approach to acting, the reality of public perception, and the enduring myth of media influence.
“I welcome criticism — it’s good for the project and for me,” said Sharad, when asked if he ever experiences self-doubt while portraying a character. The actor, often lauded for his grounded performances, admitted that while repetition is sometimes inevitable in large-scale projects, he strives to offer something different each time. “I’m ideally a director’s actor; I never go to the monitor to watch my shots. The director knows what he is shooting… Who am I to judge?”
When reflecting on the directors who have shaped his journey, Sharad credited the late Nishikant Kamat for casting him in a negative role in Lai Bhaari (2014) at a time when he was known for positive roles on television. “If you go into the interiors, they still call me Sangram,” he shared with a smile. He also acknowledged directors Om Raut (Tanhaji) and Raghava Lawrence (Laxmii) for entrusting him with complex and iconic characters. “Most of my roles have been unexpected… I think I’ve been blessed,” he noted.
Addressing the long-standing rumour that he is one of television’s highest-paid actors, Sharad responded with characteristic humility. “Someone said I’m the highest-paid after Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. Maybe in fiction shows, yes. But I still feel Smriti [Irani] would be the highest-paid actor,” he said, also naming Rupali Ganguly and Shabir Ahluwalia as likely contenders.
The actor currently stars in Tumm Se Tumm Tak, an adaptation of the Kannada hit Jothe Jothiyali. Asked if he had committed for three years, he clarified, “I haven’t seen the show. The pace of our show is faster. My contract is only for a year. I don’t sell my life that easily,” he quipped. One of the talking points around the show has been the noticeable age gap between Sharad and co-star Niharika Chouksey. The actor dismissed the controversy with clarity. “This is a fictional story. We’re selling dreams, not shaping moral codes,” he said. “You cannot expect comedy from a film like Aligarh. Films are not meant to improve society — they are stories.”
On whether actors should bear the burden of moral responsibility, Sharad was unequivocal. “Why is the onus on films, shows, and actors to guide or influence people the right way? These are just for entertainment,” he stated. “Inspiration should be only about the craft; the rest is fictional.” Sharad further questioned the logic behind blaming content for social issues. “It’s not like people started honour killings after watching movies and shows,” he argued. “Someone who already has that instinct will obviously get influenced. We are not putting the idea there.”
