Sharad Kelkar, celebrated for his rich and commanding baritone, has revealed an unexpected downside to the very trait that made him a household name. The 49-year-old actor, whose voice has become synonymous with some of India’s biggest pan-India blockbusters, says that his iconic vocal presence can sometimes restrict the kind of roles he is offered on screen.
Kelkar has lent his voice to Hindi versions of major films including Baahubali, Adipurush, and Salaar for Prabhas, as well as Dasara for Nani. His powerful dubbing has played a crucial role in connecting South Indian cinema with Hindi-speaking audiences, earning him widespread recognition and praise. However, Kelkar believes this strong association with a “larger-than-life” voice has unintentionally led to typecasting.
In a recent interaction with an entertainment portal, Kelkar explained that casting teams often struggle to imagine him in soft, everyday characters. “People believe my voice is my biggest asset, but I feel it can be a disadvantage too. There are certain roles people don’t think they can offer me,” he shared. He added that filmmakers hesitate to cast him as a simple or relatable man because they feel his voice carries too much weight. “They wonder how I would sound as a common man,” he said, pointing out how perception can limit opportunity.
Despite this challenge, Kelkar continues to explore a wide range of projects across films, television, and digital platforms. Most recently, he took on a menacing villain’s role in the Emraan Hashmi-starrer Taskaree. The actor admitted that negative roles particularly excite him. “Ask any actor, and they’ll tell you — playing a villain is always thrilling,” he said.
Speaking about why he chose to portray the antagonist in Neeraj Pandey’s Taskaree, Kelkar revealed that what drew him to the character was its quiet power. “This man doesn’t speak much or explain himself, but his presence is felt in every decision and consequence. That kind of silent power is far more dangerous,” he explained.
He also praised his co-star Emraan Hashmi, recalling the subtle yet intense dynamic they shared on set. “Emraan brought a remarkable balance of subtlety and intensity. Our characters didn’t need loud confrontations — the real tension lay in what remained unsaid,” Kelkar added.
With a distinctive voice, undeniable talent, and a passion for challenging roles, Sharad Kelkar continues to navigate the fine line between being iconic and being typecast — proving that even the strongest voices have stories yet to be heard.
