Sharad Kelkar, who gained popularity with his television serial Saat Phere and went on to act in films like Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Hero, Rocky Handsome, etc, is now gearing up for his upcoming film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. He will be seen portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire in the film which stars Ajay Devgn as Tanhaji Malusare, Kajol as his wife Savitribai Malusare and Saif Ali Khan as Udaybhan Rathod.
While speaking to news agency IANS, the actor shared that playing a character like this comes with a lot of responsibility. He said, “Honestly, when Om (Raut) called me and said I want you to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it came as a shock to me. That time I felt a lot of pressure because Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is worshipped as God by Maharashtrians.”
He further added, “You can’t really go wrong with any of the factors around him — his look, his way of walking, his lines, his attitude. All these came to my mind in a span of 30 seconds.”
The actor also recalled his previous collaboration with Ajay Devgn and Kajol on a TV show. “A few years ago, I did a TV show where Ajay sir and Kajol were judges and I was the host. We bonded quite well on the sets,” he told the publication.
“He likes me and treats me like a younger brother. He had recommended my name for Baadshaho too. He always takes care of his co-actors. He will never make you feel that he is a big star and will make you comfortable on the set. Working with him is fun,” he said.
Directed by Om Raut and produced by Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior is slated to be released on 10 January 2020.