Why Sharad Kelkar Said Yes To Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Returning To TV After 8 Years

News18

6 days ago

Sharad Kelkar revealed that he got many TV show offers, but only Tumm Se Tumm Tak stood out to him.
Sharad Kelkar has officially returned to television after an 8-year hiatus with Zee TV's new show Tumm Se Tumm Tak. The actor, who is reportedly the highest-paid cast member of the series, initially turned down the offer. In a conversation with a renowned media house, the actor revealed that it was the gripping storyline and depth of the character that ultimately convinced him to say yes. He also spoke about how he chooses his roles and reflects on his acting journey.
Why Sharad Kelkar Chose Tumm Se Tumm Tak
In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Sharad revealed that while he had been receiving offers, none had stood out until this one. 'I had initially declined the show as I was already shooting for my OTT project. It wasn't like I wasn't being offered shows, there was nothing too interesting to have caught my eye," he said.
A month later, the makers approached him again, and this time, the story grabbed his attention. 'When I finally heard the story, it felt different and interesting. The storyline had a strong hook and the character (Aryavardhan) was so layered. It wasn't like the usual saas-bahu drama, and that's what caught my attention."
Sharad Kelkar On Choosing Roles and Projects
Sharad further explained his criteria for choosing roles, especially across different media. He shared, 'With experience, you begin to view new roles through a different lens. Saying I was away from television is just one way to put it. Film work demands full commitment — you have to be ready at a moment's notice. That's one of the main reasons I didn't take up daily shows."
He added, 'I didn't want to do just any character. I needed something that would challenge me."
Sharad Kelkar On His Career During COVID
While Sharad's absence from television over the years was a conscious choice based on his preference for selective projects and mediums, he certainly didn't slow down. During the pandemic, which was marked by health risks and job scarcity even for actors, he continued to work across multiple projects. He said with a laugh, 'During COVID, I was probably the busiest person I know. I did seven or eight projects during that time. We even shot in remote areas for safety, like for Black Widows and a few other films. I also shot in Turkey for a historical film, which was an incredible experience."
Sharad Kelkar Witnessed the Transformation of the Television Industry
Sharad Kelkar, 48, has witnessed the major shift in Indian Television. From format to focus, the landscape has shifted. He shared, 'Earlier, shows ran for years. Now, episodes are just 23 minutes long and attention spans have shrunk. Even casting dynamics have changed. It's not just about talent anymore — it's often about social media numbers."
About Tumm Se Tumm Tak
Tumm Se Tumm Tak brings an unconventional love story to the small screen. It follows Anu (Niharika Chouskey), a warm-hearted 19-year-old girl, and Aryavardhan (Sharad Kelkar), a 46-year-old business tycoon. The story explores how they navigate societal judgment and emotional struggles in their unlikely relationship.
The show premiered on July 7 and airs Monday to Friday at 8:30 PM on Zee TV and Zee5.
First Published:
July 25, 2025, 15:58 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.