Sharad Kelkar | Tejas Nerurkar
Sharad Kelkar made his television debut with the show, Aakrosh (2004), on Doordarshan. Since then, he has come a long way, having acted in many big-ticket movies like Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) and Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro (2016). He made his digital debut with the Amazon Prime series, The Family Man (2019). The Gwalior boy has a number of upcoming projects, including Ayalaan, Bhuj: The Pride of India and Jersey.
Q\ How was the experience of working as a transgender person in Akshay Kumar’s Laxmii?
A\ Since childhood, we have been conditioned to think that transgender people are loud and kidnap kids, and so it is better to stay away from them. This film was an eye-opener. I was so closely attuned to their lives that I went through the roller-coaster of emotions that they undergo. The film changed my perspective. I think they are as much a part of society as the rest of us.
Q\ How do you select your scripts?
A\ I have been lucky to get some really good scripts. Choosing a script is a very personal experience for me. It is not my [screen time] that is important for me. I simply ask myself whether I am an important part of the film and whether I will have an impact on the story and the viewer. Whether the role is big or small is immaterial, as long as I can bring out a different shade of myself for the audience.
Q\ Tell us about the upcoming Bhuj: The Pride of India.
A\ I have worked with Ajay (Devgn) sir for the last 11 years and he treats me like a younger brother. So, when the casting for Bhuj was taking place, I think he chose me and that was a sweet gesture. It is a great film.
Q\ How was it portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior?
A\ It was a superb opportunity. Om (Raut, director) had researched this subject for almost 10 years. He had done an in-depth study of Maharaj and that helped a lot. I knew I could not go wrong even in the slightest expression. So yes, it was challenging.