Summary: on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, Sharad Kelkar said it was an honor to play Chhatrapati Shivaji, in his most successful film “Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior”
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the pride of every Maharashtrian in India. We celebrate Shivaji Jayanti (his birthday) on February 19 every year. Today on this auspicious occasion Marathi actor Sharad Kelkar, who has played several amazing roles on the screens said none of his other roles gave him a sense of satisfaction like playing the role of Indian ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
News portal Hindustan Times had an exclusive chat with Sharad Kelkar on this occasion. Before the interview started Sharad removed his slippers, a mark of respect, and shot the entire interview barefoot. He said, “It’s a matter of pride for all of us, not just Maharashtrians. He established Hindu Swaraj in India, he’s a monarch.”
Sharad Kelkar acknowledged the role of Shivaji Maharaj’s important role in establishing the Hindu Swaraj in India. He also shared his astonishment when Om Raut offered him the role of Shivaji Maharaj, because he never met or had talked to Om Raut, so it came as a shock to him. He gained confidence to play the role when he donned maharaj’s look and entered the office for a look, and everybody was left in awe of his look.
He said, “I had never met or spoken to Om Raut before. I was out of the country when he called and said he wanted to meet me. He then said he wants me to play the role of Shivaji, and I was silent for two minutes before asking ‘why me?’ He said he wants his king to look like this, have a personality like mine. We did a look test, and when I came to the office donning the attire, everybody went quiet. Then I realized they were looking at me. That gave me a lot of confidence. For a Maharashtrian, a Marathi actor, this role was once in a lifetime. It’s the biggest achievement,”
He also recalled the overwhelming response he got after the movie “Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior” was released. He shared how people were continuously praising him for his role as Shivaji Maharaj.
