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EXCLUSIVE- Bhoomi actor Sharad Kelkar: Sanjay Dutt gives you a hangover of his style once you work with him
Sharad Kelkar opens up about working with Sanjay Dutt, his journey so far and much more in a candid conversation with us.
Sanjay Dutt made a powerful comeback with his movie Bhoomi, which released in theatres on September 22, 2017. Along with Aditi Rao Hydari, who played his daughter, the movie also features talented actor Sharad Kelkar in a pivotal role. Sharad is seen playing an antagonist in Bhoomi, glimpses of which in the trailer were enough to send a chill down your spine.
Sharad, who rose to fame with the TV show Saat Phere, went on to feature in a lot of movies including Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's Goliyon Ki Raasleela - Ram Leela.
We got in touch with the handsome actor to ask him about his journey, his role in Bhoomi and his camaraderie with Sanjay Dutt.
Here's an excerpt from the interview:
From TV to Bollywood, how has your journey been so far?
When I started acting in 2005, I was doing a show where I was playing this honest and lovable husband. After doing that, I realised I am doing the same stuff every day and was not learning anything new as an actor. That's when I decided to try different characters. My friends warned me against it but then I did not want to do similar roles. I was called an idiot for refusing big offers but my point was what will I do with that money if I am not happy with it. 
What was your first reaction when you heard Bhoomi's script?
Despite having played grey characters earlier, I was intrigued with the script because this was a dark character, which I hadn't done earlier. People are going to really hate this character and abuse him left, right and centre but then if they do that it is a victory for me as an actor.
How was your experience working with Sanjay Dutt?
I have seen Vaastav and Munna Bhai MBBS multiple times, so working with Dutt Sir was surreal. Of course, on the first day I was a little scared, at least for the first 2-3 hours I was controlling myself to not overdo anything. But with Dutt Saab that is the beauty, the moment you are on the sets, he makes you comfortable with himself and the unit. It doesn't feel like the first day then. He is a superb person to work with, very lively and light-hearted. He is very caring and, in fact, treated me like his younger brother. He was extremely supportive. For instance, if I had to beat him, he used to say 'Aur maar'.
Given that Sanjay Dutt is known as the 'Khalnayak' of Bollywood'. Did he advise or help you with your character?
Sanjay Sir used to tell me that you are playing a bad guy, so go all out. Don't have any apprehensions as a father to a daughter myself. But he told me to forget about all that whilst I played a bad guy in the movie. He told me that if I do that, the audience's reaction will amaze me and I can see that happening.
Any particular memory from the set?
Every day was memorable with Mr. Dutt and the crew. However, there was this sequence when Mr. Dutt is on the ground all bruised. Dutt Saab came with an idea that I should keep my foot on his face and I said NO, this will be too much. I refused to do it but he was adamant, saying that it will be good for the film. So that particular day was really heavy for me.
Just like other superstars, Sanjay Dutt has an aura around him. Did you get intimidating at any point?
(Laughs) He is so intimidating that after few days you start speaking and walking like him. I had to control myself from not doing that. He is so loveable and a complete rockstar. He gives you hangover of his own style I think.
Since the movie revolves around the relationship between a daughter an a father, did you have an emotional breakdown on the sets, given that you are a father to a daughter too?
It happens. Then senior actors advice you to not mix personal with professional because it affects your performance. I tried to keep it away but once or twice I did get affected and had tears in my eyes. I was so upset that I was shouting at my staff too but then I was in that zone that I couldn't help but vent it out. However, I then controlled it.
Bhoomi has opened to mixed reactions in theatres. Have you watched it yet? Let us know in the comments below.
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