TOI: TV calls for risk - Sharad

After a successful stint on small screen with shows like Saat Phere - Saloni Ka Safar and Bairi Piya, actor Sharad Kelkar surprised the telly viewers with a cameo in Uttaran recently.

Now, after having keeping himself busy with Marathi films, Sharad is back on the tube, albeit, this time around in a lead role. Sharad has just stepped into Mohnish Behl's shoes and has replaced the senior actor as Dr Ashuthosh inKuch Toh Log Kahenge.

Sharad, to whom the offer in the show came as a "shock" says, "Mohnishji's exit from the show came as a surprise," who feels the feeling is yet to sink in. "It seemed like a good role to take up, although it took me a week to decide whether I should take up this challenge. This is for the first time that I'm playing a replacement and I have to confess that it is a tough task for me," he says.

Taking risks however, is something that most actors should do, feels Sharad. He says, "As an actor you've got to accept new challenges and take some creative risks. I'll work towards adding interesting shades to the character of Dr Ashutosh."

Sharad seems to be aware of the difficult task ahead and admits that he will have to "work harder for the audience to accept me as the new Dr Ashutosh. I've also got to strike the same on-screen chemistry with Kritika (Kamra). However, I've got complete faith in my audience who've loved me in every character I've portrayed - I'm sure they'll love me in the show too."

Sharad confesses to be a workaholic. "I worked non-stop during my Saat Phere - Saloni Ka Safar and Bairi Piya days. Although people still recall me as Nahar in Saat Phere..., my role in Bairi Piya is closer to my heart. I've loved playing positive as well as negative characters. In fact, even cameos, are fun. Any role that lets me add more body to my body of work is welcome."

The actor, who hails from Gwalior, has been part of Pati Patni Aur Woh, Nach Baliye 2, Comedy Circus Mahasangram et al. "I've done lots of reality shows. I love it when fans compliment me for my cameos as well!" Apart from KTLK, Sharad is excited about his soon to be released Marathi film titled Chinu.

As talk veers towards his wife Keerti Gaekwad, Sharad says, "It has been seven years of togetherness and a beautiful journey. In today's time where most people are skeptical about marriage, Keerti and I have a great marriage."

The duo met on the sets of Aakrosh (DD), "Keerti who started off her career before me, happens to be my best critic and my best friend too." Any plans to add to their family? Sharad says, "Yes, we are thinking about starting the family now."