Exclusive: Sharad Kelkar Shares 3 Secrets to a Successful Marriage; ‘Taskari’ Star Reveals His Real-Life Family Side

Sharad Kelkar, currently in the limelight for his Netflix series Taskari: The Smugglers Web, is not just a versatile actor across TV, films, and OTT platforms, but also a dedicated family man. In an exclusive conversation with Navbharat Times, Kelkar spoke about his successful marriage with wife Keerti, parenting their daughter Kesha, and balancing his professional and personal life.

Sharad Kelkar: From Screen Villain to Real-Life Family Man
Born on 7 October 1976 in Gwalior, Sharad Kelkar made his TV debut with the Doordarshan show Aakrosh in 2004 and appeared in the film Halchal the same year. He is also a renowned voice artist, lending his voice to Hindi versions of Hollywood blockbusters like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as South Indian hits like the Baahubali franchise, Salar, and Adipurush.

Sharad met his wife Keerti Gaekwad Kelkar on the set of the TV show Saat Phere, and they tied the knot in 2005. He emphasizes three key principles for a successful marriage: love, respect, and time for each other. “If you give each other these three things, everything becomes easy. Relationships aren’t inherently difficult—we just tend to complicate them unnecessarily,” he said. After 21 years of marriage, Sharad says the bond with Keerti feels as fresh as it did on their wedding day, partly because both understand the unique demands of an actor’s life.

Parenting and Balancing Work
Sharad and Keerti’s daughter Kesha, who is about to turn 12, is actively involved in theatre and music. “She understands the difference between reality and acting because she performs herself,” Sharad explains. He adds that he has never let parenting influence his choice of roles, as both he and his wife ensure their daughter is aware of the world of cinema and acting without shielding her entirely.

Playing Bade Chaudhary in ‘Taskari’
In Taskari, Sharad plays Bade Chaudhary, a character far from a typical villain. “He looks like an ordinary businessman, but what he does and how he does it makes him intriguing. He’s not a black-and-white villain; he has a strong backstory,” Sharad shared. He also clarified reports about weight loss, stating that he simply returned to his normal weight after gaining a little, rather than undergoing any extreme regimen.

Sharad has been collaborating with series runner Neeraj Pandey for over six years, and Taskari marks their third project together. “Neeraj sir provides clarity in his writing and then lets the actor interpret the role freely. That freedom is invaluable,” he says.

On Negative Roles
Sharad believes that playing negative roles offers creative freedom. “A villain sees himself as the hero in his own story; it’s the actor’s job to embrace the character without judgment. If you start thinking the character is wrong, it shows on screen,” he explains. Reflecting on his experience during Operation Romeo, he recalls seeking guidance from Neeraj Pandey when the role felt uncomfortable, and learning that authenticity is key—audiences must believe the character, not the actor.

Through his work and personal life, Sharad Kelkar exemplifies the balance between professional excellence and family values, proving that even actors who play formidable characters on screen can be devoted spouses and caring parents off-screen.