Sharad Kelkar holds a unique position in Indian cinema. The actor possesses a deep, resonant voice that millions recognize instantly. He voiced Prabhas in massive hits like Baahubali, Adipurush, and Salaar. He also lent his voice to Nani in the Telugu film Dasara. Yet, this very asset creates a surprising problem for him.
The Voice That Becomes a Disadvantage
Sharad Kelkar believes his powerful voice can work against him. The 49-year-old actor says filmmakers often hesitate to cast him as a simple, everyday character. They worry his commanding tone does not fit a common man's role.
"People think my voice is my biggest asset. I don't think so. It's a disadvantage because there are few characters people can't offer," Kelkar told PTI in a recent interview.
He explained the hesitation from directors. "If they want to offer me a simple guy, they are pretty hesitant. They say, 'Nahi yaar, his voice is like that, how will he sound as a common man?'" This perception influences the roles that come his way, despite his strong screen presence in diverse projects.
A Versatile Career Beyond the Voice
Kelkar has built a respected career across films and web series. He earned praise for roles in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela, the hit series The Family Man, the historical drama Tanhaji: The Unsung Hero, and the Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmii. His filmography shows impressive range.
Currently, he is enjoying the response to his latest project. He plays the antagonist in Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web, which premiered on Netflix. The series, created by Neeraj Pandey and directed by Raghav Jairath, follows a determined customs officer, played by Emraan Hashmi, and his team as they take on a notorious smuggler portrayed by Kelkar.
Why Villains Are a Favorite
Sharad Kelkar openly admits his love for playing negative roles. "If you ask any actor, I think they would love to play a villain," he said. He finds a special freedom in these characters.
"There's a different shade, and you're free to do a lot of stuff which you want to do as an actor. There is no limit to it. There are boundaries in the script, but it is always fun to play a villain," Kelkar explained. This role in Taskaree allows him to explore that dark, complex space once again.
Switching Between Hero and Villain
Kelkar has played negative characters in several films. These include Bhoomi, 1920: Evil Returns, Operation Romeo, and Housefull 4. For him, variety is the key to staying creatively satisfied and avoiding monotony.
"As an actor, I always prefer to shift, and it is fun whether it is a hero or a villain. Otherwise, life becomes very monotonous," he added. His selection process for roles remains straightforward and focused on the narrative.
"My selection process is very simple—the story, the character, and what this character is doing in the story. These three things decide what I want to do," Kelkar stated. This principle guides his choices across different genres and formats.
Looking Ahead
Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web also features a strong supporting cast. Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Anurag Sinha, and Zoya Afroz play key roles in the series. As Kelkar continues his journey, he remains a prominent figure who navigates the unique challenges and opportunities his voice presents.
He embraces both the limitations and the freedoms. From iconic voiceovers to complex on-screen villains, Sharad Kelkar's career demonstrates a constant pursuit of creative diversity. His story highlights how an actor's most recognizable trait can shape, but never fully define, their artistic path.
