Sharad Kelkar is against the idea that television and films need to carry social responsibility

Actor Sharad Kelkar argues against expecting television and film to carry social responsibility beyond their entertainment value. He notes that television and films only sell dreams and do not shape moral codes

Sharad Kelkar says television and films don't need to carry social responsibility: ‘We’re selling dreams'

(L-R) Niharika Chouksey and Sharad Kelkar in ‘Tumm Se Tumm Tak’

Acting is his forte, regardless of the character he plays. Sharad Kelkar, who returns to television after eight years, is excited to explore his romantic side — one he rarely gets to showcase onscreen. In Tumm Se Tumm Tak, the actor plays a 46-year-old business magnate who falls for a spirited 19-year-old. Ask him why, and Kelkar says it was the perfect choice for his comeback to TV. While many are surprised by the age gap between the lead characters, he maintains, “It proves that when two hearts truly connect, age is just a number.” In conversation with mid-day, he discusses his evolution as an actor, why television should be viewed purely as a source of entertainment, and why no amount of money is worth losing his peace of mind.

Excerpts from the interview.

Do you ever have self-doubts about a character you are playing?
I have always strived to do things I have never done before. Of course, there are times when you end up doing similar things because the scale of the project is huge, especially in films. Sometimes, it is the story that intrigues you — even if you are repeating a character — but I try to do it as differently as possible. I’m ideally a director’s actor; I never go to the monitor to watch my shots. The director knows what he is shooting and what I’ve done, and he will tell me if it needs to be reshot. Who am I to judge? In fact, I welcome such criticism because it’s good for the project and for me.

Over the years, have you come across a director who has contributed to your growth as an actor?
It has been amazing throughout my career. Most of my roles have been unexpected — roles I never thought I would get to portray. Director Nishikant Kamat was the first to see me in a negative role when I was doing positive characters in TV shows. He offered me Lai Bhaari [2014]. If you go into the interiors, they still call me Sangram [his character in the film]. I don’t know how Om Raut decided to cast me as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in [Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, 2020]. Then there’s Raghava Lawrence, who chose me for Laxmii [2020]. I think I’ve been blessed to receive such different and unexpected roles.

There’s a rumour that you are the highest-paid actor on television. Is that true?
Actually, someone said that I’m the highest-paid on TV after Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. Maybe in fiction shows, yes, but I still feel Smriti [Irani] would be the highest-paid actor. Rupali [Ganguly], who is doing Anupamaa, must be on the list. And Shabir [Ahluwalia] would be on the list too. However, I cannot be sure.

Is money a deciding factor for you?
It is one of the important aspects, I won’t deny it. If I am getting it, why not? When I do films, if you start doing them only for money, you may get two or three projects — then nobody will call you. Your work has to be substantial, earn that place in the industry, and be dependable. Money is still secondary. Sometimes you compromise; at times, you [demand] more if you’re in a better position. I have done a lot for friends. Money is important, but my peace of mind takes priority.

Tumm Se Tumm Tak is an adaptation of the Kannada show Jothe Jothiyali, which ran for three years. Have you committed for three years?
I haven’t seen the show. We spoke about it; the pace of our show is faster than that of the other. If people start liking it, then I may consider it. How can I decide in advance? I don’t sell my life that easily [laughs]. My contract, for now, is only for a year, which is standard policy. The show is divided into two tracks. As per the tagline, it is the meeting of two worlds. The advantage I have is that I don’t have to shoot for 20 to 25 days at a stretch. I get time to do my films, go on holiday, and spend time with my family.

There’s been a lot of talk about the age gap between your and Niharika Chouksey’s characters. Do you think such a storyline will find acceptance?
This is a fictional story. Everything should be seen from the right perspective. You cannot expect comedy from a film like Aligarh [2015]. I feel films are not meant to improve society. They are stories. They can’t be real. We are selling dreams, not [shaping] moral codes.

Any visual medium acts as an influencer, so don’t you also have the responsibility to give the right messaging along with entertainment?
Parents are spending money to send their children to school and colleges, but instead of getting influenced there, why is the onus on films, shows, and actors to guide or influence people the right way? These are just for entertainment. Inspiration should be only about the craft; the rest is fictional. I feel their perspective is wrong. How many of us would say, after watching Mirzapur, that we want to be like Kaleen Bhaiyaa? But someone who already has that instinct will obviously get influenced. We are not putting the idea there. It’s not like people started honour killings after watching movies and shows.

Sharad Kelkar