Srikanth Director Tushar Hiranandani Reveals Sharad Kelkar Charged Only Rs 101 For The Film

Sharad Kelkar has dominated the entertainment industry for several years now. Be it television, OTT, or films, the actor has surely proved his worth and is often sought by directors for crucial roles. Recently, he was seen in the biographical film Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao and directed by Tushar Hiranandani. Sharad’s role in the film was pivotal, and the director, in a recent interview, revealed how much the actor charged for it. Acclaimed for his performances in films like Goliyon Ki Raasleela-Ram Leela, and Mohenjo Daro, Sharad Kelkar only took Rs 101 as his fees.

In conversation with ETimes, Tushar Hiranandani noted that Sharad Kelkar first wanted compensation as per his market value. However, after hearing the film’s narration, the actor was moved and decided to do the project regardless of the fee amount. The director stated, “When Sharad came to meet me, there was a price he quoted, and he deserves it also. But then I told him that it was difficult for me and requested him to listen to the narration.”

The director added that after the narration, Sharad had left, and he did not expect him to do the film. But the next day, producer Bhushan Kumar informed Tushar Hiranandani that the actor was eager to work on the project at whatever cost as he did not “want to miss out on an opportunity of this kind.” Ravi, Sharad Kelkar’s character, enters after the intermission. He is Srikanth Bolla’s best friend and plays an important role in the storyline. The director stated, “Sharad enters the film post interval and guess the fee on his Srikanth contract? It is just Rs 101! In reality, Ravi is the man behind the success of Srikanth Bolla.”

Rajkummar Rao plays the visually handicapped industrialist Srikanth Bolla who founded Bollant Industries, which provides work to uneducated and differently abled people. Born visually challenged in 1992 near Hyderabad and despite facing hurdles, he attended MIT as the only visually impaired overseas student. When Srikanth returned to India, he dedicated himself to establishing employment opportunities for persons with impairments. Besides Rajkummar Rao, Srikanth also stars Jyothika, Alaya F. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Nidhi Parmar Hiranandani. It was released nationwide on May 10, 2024.