Tributes continue as the nation celebrates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on February 19, 2025. This year marks his 396th birth anniversary. On this special day let’s revisit an old interview with Sharad Kelkar who started his role as Shivaji Maharaj in 2020 release Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior or Resurfacing.In an old conversation with Hindustan Times he revisited how grateful he was for the opportunity. He described the role as a defining achievement and said it brought him immense pride as an actor and as a Maharashtrian.
From Baahubali to Hanuman: Sharad Kelkar discusses voice acting, animation and Marathi cinema.
Sharad Kelkar shared that whenever people talk to him about the film, he is grateful. “100 out of 100 people have mentioned the film and my character in conversations. It’s something to be proud of,” he said.
Sharad Kelkar recalls the casting process and his first reaction
Sharad Kelkar also looked at how the role came to him. He revealed that director Om Raut approached him unexpectedly. Sharing the memory, “I had never met or spoken to Om Raut before, I was out of the country, he wanted to meet me, he said he wanted to meet me, then he said he wanted to make me Shivaji and I said ‘Why?’ He said he wanted his king to look like this and have a personality like mine.
His surprise slowly turned into confidence, Kelkar recalls how the look test helped him see what the team saw in him and recounting the moment, he says, “We did the look test, and when I came to the office in that outfit, everyone was quiet, I realized they were looking at me. It gave me a lot of confidence. As a Maharashtrian, it was once the biggest achievement of a Marathi actor’s life.Sharad Kelkar stated that the appreciation he received after the release of the film was amazing.
Many audiences strongly connected with his portrayal.
‘Tanhaji’ continues to hold a special place for fans
The film is directed by Om Raut ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ and features a powerful ensemble led by Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Saif Ali Khan and Sharad Kelkar. The film was also praised for its story, performances and depiction of Maratha history.
Sharad Kelkar revealed that after watching ‘Operation Romeo’, his friends called him ‘I want to slap you’.
