Sharad Kelkar on Jackie Shroff: 'Watched Ram Lakhan twice in one day'
Synopsis
Sharad Kelkar once watched Jackie Shroff's 'Ram Lakhan' twice in a single day — and decades later, that childhood admiration is what convinced him to say yes to 'Kaali Kheti', a film that pairs the two actors for the first time, releasing 20 November 2026.
Key Takeaways
Sharad Kelkar revealed he watched Jackie Shroff's film 'Ram Lakhan' twice in one day at a single-screen theatre.
Kelkar cited his long-standing admiration for Shroff as a key reason for joining 'Kaali Kheti' .
Director Haris Imtiyaz Khan's hand-painted storyboard also impressed Kelkar and influenced his decision. 'Kaali Kheti' is produced by Sana Khan under BlackCanvas Studio .
The film is set for a theatrical release on 20 November 2026 .
Actor Sharad Kelkar has revealed that veteran star Jackie Shroff has been his favourite actor since childhood — a fandom so intense that he once watched Shroff's iconic film 'Ram Lakhan' twice in a single day at a single-screen theatre. Kelkar made the admission during promotions for his upcoming film 'Kaali Kheti', set to release in cinemas on 20 November 2026.
A Childhood Idol Turned Co-Star
Kelkar spoke at length about what it means to now share screen space with an actor he has admired for decades. 'Obviously, we got a chance from a person who we admire and we are fans of,' Kelkar said, gesturing toward Shroff. 'He is a big reason for it, because I always wanted to work with him. I have admired him since I was a kid. I went to see Ram Lakhan twice in a day. So, with all these things associated with the film, I had to say yes to it.'
The remarks were made in the Andheri West area of Mumbai during a promotional event attended by Kelkar, Shroff, and director Haris Imtiyaz Khan.
What Drew Kelkar to 'Kaali Kheti'
Beyond his admiration for Shroff, Kelkar cited the film's distinctive creative approach as a key factor in his decision to sign on. He pointed specifically to director Khan's hand-painted storyboard as a rare and striking element. 'When I heard that there will be an interesting part and the way he narrated the script, the whole storyboard, Haris Imtiyaz Khan came up with it — it is hand-painted. That's what clicked with me,' Kelkar said.
He also spoke about the depth of his character in the film, describing it as a role that gave him significant creative energy. 'We have a very strong character... he envisaged me in a different way altogether. He gave me a lot of energy to play,' he added.
About the Film
'Kaali Kheti' is written and directed by Haris Imtiyaz Khan and produced by Sana Khan under the banner of BlackCanvas Studio. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 20 November 2026. The pairing of Kelkar and the veteran Shroff has already generated curiosity among fans of Hindi cinema, with the hand-crafted visual aesthetic of the production adding an unconventional edge to the project's promotional pitch.
Point of View
But it also underscores a casting dynamic that 'Kaali Kheti' is leaning on heavily in its promotions — Shroff as a living institution whose presence alone is a reason to sign on. For a relatively modest production from BlackCanvas Studio, banking on that nostalgia and fan sentiment is a smart, low-cost positioning move. The hand-painted storyboard detail is worth noting too: in an era of digital-first pre-production, it signals a director trying to distinguish himself on craft. Whether the film lives up to the promotional intrigue is a question only the 20 November release date will answer.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film did Sharad Kelkar watch twice in one day?
Sharad Kelkar watched Jackie Shroff's classic film 'Ram Lakhan' twice in a single day at a single-screen theatre, a memory he shared during promotions for their upcoming film 'Kaali Kheti'.
What is 'Kaali Kheti' and when does it release?
'Kaali Kheti' is a Hindi film written and directed by Haris Imtiyaz Khan and produced by Sana Khan under BlackCanvas Studio. It is scheduled for a theatrical release on 20 November 2026, starring Sharad Kelkar and Jackie Shroff.
Why did Sharad Kelkar agree to do 'Kaali Kheti'?
Kelkar cited two main reasons: his lifelong admiration for co-star Jackie Shroff, and director Haris Imtiyaz Khan's distinctive approach, including a hand-painted storyboard that he found rare and compelling.
Who directed 'Kaali Kheti'?
'Kaali Kheti' is written and directed by Haris Imtiyaz Khan. The film is produced by Sana Khan under the banner of BlackCanvas Studio.
What did Sharad Kelkar say about his character in 'Kaali Kheti'?
Kelkar described his character as 'very strong' and said the director envisaged him in a different way altogether, giving him a lot of energy to play the role.
