Sharad Kelkar, the actor known for his deep and powerful voice, had a journey full of challenges. Born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Sharad struggled with stammering since childhood. What was once a source of embarrassment for him has now become his biggest asset, with his voice being featured in some of India’s biggest films, including the Hindi version of Baahubali 2.
Early Challenges and Stammering
As a child, Sharad had a significant stammering problem. He has shared in several interviews how children used to tease him for his speech. This issue affected his confidence for a long time. He never imagined that one day his voice would become a key part of his career. Acting or becoming a voice artist was never part of his original plan. But life had other plans for Sharad.
Stammering is a common issue faced by many, but for Sharad, it was especially tough. He explained that stammering often results from issues like fast thinking, incorrect breathing, or a sluggish tongue. For Sharad, his problem stemmed from improper breathing techniques. As he grew older, he realized that by correcting his breathing, he could overcome his stammer.
How Sharad Overcame His Speech Issues
Sharad has shared how he worked hard to overcome his speech difficulties. He studied how others spoke and how professional actors used their voice. He paid particular attention to breathing techniques, as some sounds and words require specific control of breath. In one interview, he said, “Once I got my breathing back in order, I stopped stammering.”
He compared it to running. If someone runs 100 meters and is then asked to speak, they may stutter because they’re out of breath. Sharad experienced the same difficulty until he learned to control his breathing, which eventually allowed him to speak smoothly.
The Start of His Career in Acting
Sharad Kelkar’s entry into the world of acting didn’t happen overnight. He began his career as a model before moving into television. His breakthrough role came with the popular TV show Kasauti Zindagi Ki, which made him a familiar face among Indian audiences. Following this, he appeared in several other shows like Madhavi, Bhabhi, CID, and Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. His work on these shows helped him build a solid reputation as an actor.
However, it wasn’t just his acting that stood out—his voice became his trademark. Even though he started with acting, his voice opened new doors for him in the entertainment industry.
Becoming the Voice Behind Prabhas in Baahubali
One of the turning points in Sharad’s career was when he was chosen to lend his voice to the Hindi version of Baahubali 2, voicing the lead character, Prabhas. The success of the Baahubali series made Sharad’s voice instantly recognizable to millions of fans across India. Sharad’s deep, commanding voice brought life to the character and left a lasting impression on the audience.
Apart from Baahubali, Sharad has lent his voice to several Marathi films as well. He worked in films like Raat Akeli Hai, Tanhaji, Laxmii, and web series such as The Family Man. His versatility in both acting and voice work has made him one of the most sought-after artists in the industry.
A Successful Career in Films and TV
Sharad’s success didn’t stop with television or voice work. He made his mark in Bollywood as well, starring in movies such as Raat Akeli Hai and Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. He has also worked in web series, further showcasing his acting skills. Over the years, Sharad Kelkar has shown that he’s not just a television actor or a voice artist—he’s a versatile performer capable of taking on different roles in different mediums.
From Financial Struggles to Success
Like many in the entertainment industry, Sharad’s journey to success was not easy. During his early days, he faced financial hardships. But his hard work paid off, and today his net worth is estimated to be between Rs 70 to 80 crores. He now owns several luxury cars and has a beautiful home in Mumbai, a far cry from his days of struggle.
Inspiration for Others
Sharad Kelkar’s story is an inspiring one. He turned what was once seen as a weakness—his stammering—into his greatest strength. By focusing on improving his speech and mastering his breathing techniques, Sharad didn’t just overcome his problem; he used it to his advantage, becoming one of the top voice artists in the country.
His journey from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to the heights of success in Mumbai serves as a reminder that no obstacle is too big if you are willing to put in the effort to overcome it. Today, Sharad Kelkar stands as a role model for anyone who has ever struggled with a speech disorder or any other challenge.
