Sharad Kelkar on wearing army uniform: 'Immense pride' ahead of 80th Independence Day
Synopsis
Sharad Kelkar's account of wearing an Indian army uniform for a TV role cuts through the usual Independence Day celebrity noise — not a scripted patriotic post, but a first-person reckoning with what the uniform actually represents. With India marking 80 years of independence, his reflection lands with unusual sincerity.
Key Takeaways
Sharad Kelkar plays the character Arya in the television series 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' , where he portrays an Indian military officer.
Kelkar said donning the army uniform — even for a fictional role — gave him “an immense sense of pride and an indescribable adrenaline rush.” The actor described Independence Day as a “deeply significant occasion” and expressed deep respect for India's freedom fighters and armed forces.
India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2025 , marking eight decades since freedom from British rule in 1947 .
Kelkar called on every citizen to contribute “in their own capacity” to the betterment of the country.
Actor Sharad Kelkar, currently seen as Arya in the television series 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak', has opened up about the deeply personal experience of portraying an Indian military officer on screen — an experience he says left him with an overwhelming sense of national pride, just ahead of India's 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2025.
What Kelkar Said About the Uniform
Speaking about the role, Kelkar said that despite the fictional nature of the character, slipping into the uniform of an Indian army officer was anything but ordinary. “Even for a fictional character, that experience filled me with an immense sense of pride and gave me an indescribable adrenaline rush,” he said.
He described Independence Day as a “deeply significant occasion,” adding that it “reminds us of the immense sacrifices and courage that made our freedom possible.” The actor noted a longstanding personal interest in Indian history and a deep respect for freedom fighters who shaped the nation.
The Deeper Realisation
Kelkar said the experience of wearing the uniform gave him a sharper understanding of the weight soldiers carry daily. “It made me realise, even more deeply, the responsibility and dedication that our soldiers carry every single day,” he said. He concluded with a salute to their courage and a call for every citizen to contribute, “in our own capacity, towards the betterment of our country.”
The 80th Independence Day Milestone
India marks 80 years of independence on 15 August 2025, commemorating eight decades since the country gained freedom from British rule in 1947. The milestone invites reflection on the nation's transformation — from building democratic institutions and expanding education to emerging as a major global economy with a strengthened presence in science, technology, and defence.
Notably, the occasion has prompted several public figures from entertainment, sports, and public life to share personal reflections on what independence means to them — Kelkar's account standing out for its grounded, profession-specific lens.
Kelkar's Message This Independence Day
“This Independence Day, I salute their courage and hope that each one of us, in our own capacity, contributes towards the betterment of our country and strives to be a responsible citizen. Jai Hind,” Kelkar said. The sentiment echoes a broader cultural moment as India pauses to honour the sacrifices that built the republic.
Point of View
But Kelkar's account is grounded in a specific professional experience — wearing a uniform — that gives it texture most such statements lack. What's worth noting is the implicit message: that fictional representations of the armed forces, when handled with sincerity, can carry genuine civic weight. As India marks 80 years of independence, the more interesting question is whether the entertainment industry's increasing engagement with military themes reflects a cultural shift or simply follows audience demand. Kelkar's reflection, at least, appears to come from a personal place rather than a publicist's brief.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sharad Kelkar and what show is he currently in?
Sharad Kelkar is a Hindi television and film actor currently appearing in the TV series 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak', where he plays a character named Arya, an Indian military officer.
What did Sharad Kelkar say about wearing the army uniform?
Kelkar said that even though the role was fictional, wearing the Indian army uniform filled him with 'an immense sense of pride' and gave him 'an indescribable adrenaline rush.' He added that the experience deepened his understanding of the responsibility soldiers carry every day.
When is India's 80th Independence Day?
India's 80th Independence Day falls on 15 August 2025, marking eight decades since the country gained independence from British rule in 1947.
What was Kelkar's Independence Day message?
Kelkar saluted the courage of Indian soldiers and urged every citizen to contribute, in their own capacity, to the betterment of the country and to strive to be a responsible citizen, signing off with 'Jai Hind.'
Why does India's 80th Independence Day carry special significance?
The 80th Independence Day is a milestone that marks eight decades of India's journey as a free nation — from building democratic institutions to becoming a major global economy with a growing presence in science, technology, and defence.
