Sharad Kelkar: I am blunt while refusing films, a lot of people are angry with me in the industry

Actor Sharad Kelkar doesn’t like to compromise on the quality of his work, even if it means turning down a big projects.

“Before taking up Laxmii (2020) or Bhuj: The Pride of India, I never thought about that (the length of my role). I just liked the roles. That’s the only thing that matters. I have done five films, and it’s not about who’s the producer, the banner, it’s about the story, the character and how important I am in the story, what extra can I bring to the table from my side. If there is potential, I do the film,” says Kelkar.

The 45-year-old, who has also done films such as Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela (2013) and Housefull 4 (2019), adds that a lot of big-banner, big-budget projects were offered to him.

“There was nothing for me to do in the film, so I straightaway refused. I am a little blunt while doing that. What will I learn if there is nothing for e to do, apart from earning money? Of course, that is important, but it comes at second in work. That’s the first priority, money is secondary,” feels Kelkar.

And that would certainly have rubbed some people the wrong way, we ask him. He agrees and says that is a “human thing”.

He elaborates, “I couldn’t manage… there are a lot of people who are angry with me. Through you, I want to request that I am honest, I am not that harsh or badtameez. But somewhere you have to prioritise what you want to do, like everyone does. Producers cannot make every film, they choose a few to produce, a director can’t direct every film, out of 10 they might choose one. Same for actors. They also want to choose how comfortable they are.”