Marathi and Bollywood actor Sharad Kelkar has essayed many versatile roles on the big screen, but one character that he played remains special to him. The character we are talking about here is the Fearless ruler of Maratha Samrajy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

Sharad Kelkar Opens Up About His Iconic Role as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj On Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti:

On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Sharad Kelkar shared about getting to play this iconic role. He said, 'It’s a matter of pride for all of us, not just Maharashtrians. He established Hindavi Swarajya in India. He’s a pioneer.'

Sharad Kelkar Reflects on Playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 'Tanhaji':

Sharad Kelkar plays the iconic role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 2020's blockbuster 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior.' Sharad recently shared how he was surprised to have been offered the part. While talking about the same he shared how he had never met or spoken to the director of Tanhaji Om Raut. 'I was out of the country when he called and said he wanted to meet me. He then said he wanted me to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and I took two minutes before asking ‘why me?’ He said he wants his king to look like this, and have a personality like mine', said Sharad Kelkar. 

From Surprise Offer to Proud Achievement: Sharad Kelkar's Journey as Shivaji Maharaj:

Sharad also talked about the time when he  did a look test for the character. He remembered how when he came to the office in the attire of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, everybody went quiet. He shared how being a Maharashtrian and Marathi actor, this role is his biggest achievement.

Tanhaji's Iconic Role- Sharad Kelkar Reflects on Portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

The actors role in Tanhaji brought him a lot of appreciation which was well deserved. Calling it 'a matter of pride,' Sharad also talked about how in school, he got to study very little about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He shares, 'I was born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh, so I would always see a very small story on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in our textbooks. I requested the Chief Minister of MP then to put a chapter or prescribe separate books in schools, so people would get to know about him more.' 

Sharad Kelkars's connection to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has only deepened more after the movie Tanhaji and the actor feels quite blessed to have gotten to play this part.