IBN7-TV gave me bread n butter-Sharad

New Delhi: TV actor Sharad Kelkar, who has landed a key role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next 'Ram Leela', insists that the small screen is still his priority. "I am taking a leap of faith with films. But for me television is still my everything. It gave me my bread and butter. I strongly feel that my eight year work experience in the television industry has played a big part in getting me a role in 'Ram Leela'," Kelkar told PTI.

The 36-year-old actor rose to fame with hit serial 'Saat Phere' in 2005. He went on to star in several other soaps like 'Bairi Piya', 'Sinndoor Tere Naam Ka' and 'Kuch Toh Log Kahenge'.

Kelkar also had bit roles in films like 'Hulchul' and 'Uttarayan'. The actor was last seen on the big screen in '1920: Evil Returns' where he played an evil spirit. His role in 'Ram Leela' is much more significant as he is playing actress Deepika Padukone's elder brother. The film, which also stars Ranveer Singh, is based on Shakespeare's classic 'Romeo and Juliet' and is set to release in November this year.

The actor, who is currently the host of popular crime based series 'Shaitan- A Criminal Mind', feels that taking up the show after doing a host of daily soaps was the best decision of his life.

"It has added a new dimension to his my career. People have complimented me on my narration and presentation, which is great," Kelkar said. Originally an MBA graduate, Kelkar said he was destined to be an actor. "The passion for acting came very late to me so now I want to do as much work as I can," he said.