‘WILL NEVER DO BLINK-ANDMISS ROLES’
Actor Sharad Kelkar talks about why he chose to play a ‘regular’ guy in a web show after gaining popularity as a villain in films all these years
Kavita Awaasthi
Ilove playing villain in films because those roles are never boring. On the contrary, they are extremely interesting and take the story forward. But I was tired of playing a villain in back-to-back projects,” says Sharad Kelkar, who was recently seen in a web show starring Manoj Bajpayee.
Sharad played the role of a guy who works with Manoj’s wife, and later, the two grow closer. The actor says, “I essayed this role in the web show, since it was unlike my previous ones, and that’s why it was a lot of fun. He is neither a hero nor a villain and there is some ambiguity about where he is headed. I wanted to play a regular guy in a well-written role which gave me satisfaction, too. Working with directors Raj (Nidimoru) and (Krishna) DK was enjoyable as they are quite chilled out.” He will also be seen in the second season of Rangbaaz.
Next month, the actor will be seen in Housefull 4, where he is “reunited with old friends” and has also made “some new ones”. He shares, “I have known Riteish (Deshmukh) since we did a Marathi film Lai Bhaari (2014). This was my first film with Akshay
(Kumar) sir and Bobby (Deol) sir. As for being part of an ensemble film, I never worry about the length of my role but I ensure that my role stands out. I will never do a blink-and-miss kind of role. Thankfully, I have been noticed in all my films so I am never worried about the exposure.”
Sharad has proved his acting prowess in films such as Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela (2013), Hero (2015), Baadshaho (2017), Bhoomi (2017) and Sardaar Gabbar Singh (Telugu; 2016).
He also enjoys lending his voice for the Hindi-dubbed versions of regional and Hollywood films. In fact, after he dubbed for actor Prabhas in the Hindi versions of the Baahubali franchise, he was surprised to get direct messages from fans asking him why he didn’t dub for Prabhas’ Hindi film debut Saaho. “They have bombarded all my social media handles with such questions and I don’t know what to say. I haven’t seen the film, but I am sure he must have done a good job. I have met Prabhas and he is a fantastic actor and human being. Maybe, mera ek connection tha with Baahubali films — Prabhas’ performance and my voice — that’s why people asked, I guess.” PTI