What Does Sharad Kelkar Think About Hindi-Marathi Language Conflicts?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Actor Sharad Kelkar dives into the growing language conflicts in India, emphasizing the beauty of all Indian languages and his journey in the evolving television landscape. This insightful discussion touches on politics, recognition, and the impact of OTT platforms on the entertainment industry.
Key Takeaways
- All Indian languages are beautiful.
- Sharad Kelkar prefers to avoid political discussions.
- Actors should be valued for their contributions, not envied.
- The television industry has evolved significantly.
- Character recognition is key in modern storytelling.
Mumbai, July 5 (NationPress) Actor Sharad Kelkar, renowned for his contributions to television and the voice behind the legendary character of Baahubali in its Hindi version, has expressed his thoughts on the escalating language disputes among various states in India.
In a recent interview with IANS, the actor emphasized his desire to avoid political discussions but acknowledged his admiration for all the “magnificent” Indian languages spoken across the nation.
He stated, “Honestly, I don’t want to get into political matters. I have no interest in it. Ask me about acting, and I’ll talk. Ask me why I haven’t done a Marathi film, and I’ll answer. But this isn’t about personal will or preference. I believe all Indian languages are beautiful. I’m Indian, first and foremost.”
When questioned about whether he is the highest-paid actor in his upcoming show, he remarked, “I’ve been working for over two decades. I’ve earned my place, and yes, I charge for it. What’s wrong with that? If someone is earning well, people should be happy—not jealous. It’s a sign of achievement. If an actor returns to television, it’s because they have value. No one’s calling you back just for nostalgia—you have to bring something to the table.”
He further discussed the current state of television, noting why shows no longer run for extended periods and why actors struggle to achieve household name status.
He mentioned, “The audience landscape has changed. OTT has brought in new content and platforms. Earlier, shows used to run for years and characters would live in people’s hearts. Now, shows are shorter, and people move on quickly. Many actors believe they aren’t getting recognition, but I think it’s the characters that become famous, not the actors themselves. I’ve been known as Nahar Singh, Barry B., Thakur, and Dr. Ashutosh—all character names.”
“If you keep reinventing yourself and present a new version every time, people might eventually remember your real name,” he concluded.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the perspectives shared by Sharad Kelkar. He advocates for appreciation of linguistic diversity while steering clear of political entanglements. This balanced view encourages dialogue over division, emphasizing our shared identity as Indians.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sharad Kelkar's stance on the Hindi-Marathi conflict?
Sharad Kelkar believes that all Indian languages are beautiful and prefers to focus on his work rather than political issues.
Why does Sharad Kelkar charge for his roles?
Kelkar states that after two decades in the industry, he has earned his place and his charges reflect his experience and value.
How has the television landscape changed according to Kelkar?
He observes that with the rise of OTT platforms, shows are shorter now, leading to quicker audience turnover and less recognition for actors.
