Updated: November 17, 2020 10:41:25 pm
Sharad Kelkar’s Laxmii airs on Disney + Hotstar. (Photo: Sharad Kelkar / Instagram)
If there was an award for the best kept secret in movies, Sharad Kelkar will definitely win without a doubt. The actor who rehearsed the lead role in Laxmii was a happy surprise. “The plan was to keep it a secret,” the actor shared, while enjoying appreciation for playing a transgender person in Laxmii, starring Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani.
Directed by Raghava Lawrence, Laxmii is a remake of his own film in Tamil Kanchana. It revolves around a man Asif (Kumar) who is possessed by the ghost of Laxmii, a transgender. The movie airs on Disney Plus Hotstar. While the film received a mixed response, Kelkar has earned appreciation for his work.
In an exclusive chat with indianexpress.com, the actor spoke about playing Laxmii, how that changed him as a person, and why he’s not shy about taking on smaller roles.
Excerpts from the conversation:
They call you the best of Laxmii. How does it feel
To be very honest, it feels great, but I don’t agree. I think it’s about people’s perspective. I can’t judge myself, and I also know that everyone has tried very hard. He was playing only one character, while Akshay sir did four. It was more difficult, and all the points to him for achieving it.
What has been the best compliment you have received for your performance?
Many people screamed out of nowhere. It was unexpected and I was showered with compliments. I am very grateful to all of them. However, I must add that my best judge and critic is at home, my wife Keerti. Whenever I sign something, I sit down with her and wait for her reaction to all my performances. In terms of acting, she’s a senior and I’ve learned a lot of basics from her. When we were watching the movie, Keerti had tears in her eyes and hugged me. She said she’s very proud. I think it was the best thing I could have gotten.
How did Laxmii happen and what was your first reaction?
These kinds of roles, of course, are surprising. I am someone who doesn’t really expect much, neither from work nor from life. He was aware of the movie and had even seen the original. I knew they were approaching great actors for the same thing. Out of nowhere, Shabina, whom I have known for years, called me, saying that Akshay sir had proposed my name. I was like, why not? I long for different roles and this is how it all started. Lawrence was also very particular about casting and wanted to see me as Laxmii first. It was honestly a bit awkward for me and I couldn’t even recognize myself. He asked me to walk as the character, and he liked it once, and everything fell into place. Lawrence really worked on us, in every little nuance, as he wanted everything to look perfect. This is how it all happened. In fact, I never expected this kind of reaction to come my way.
How careful were you not to let the character go wrong and appear caricatured?
I think that conviction was the most important foundation we needed to have. In addition, he had to shoot himself very sensitively. He was a little conscious while Laxmii was playing, and it was important because he didn’t want to cross the line. I knew about her history, so it was easier to play the part. Also, I had been watching all the gestures to make sure not to exaggerate.
Also, did working on this movie help you better understand the transgender community?
The issue is that for years families have been conditioned and fed that they are noisy, they do hungama and ask for money. And that is why many people are even afraid of them. As it grows and evolves, it understands reality. Therefore, I have always welcomed them and even spoke to them through signs. I have never chased them away. However, after this movie, of course, I have realized the level of pain that they go through, physically and mentally. I was researching, and even in mythologies, it has been said that they have the power of both man and woman, and because of that they are much more superior. As I understand it, I have come to the conclusion that given their strength, people due to their insecurities must have pushed them into the corner. They must have felt that they would conquer them. And since they had no place, they had to be loud to be heard. I am grateful that times are changing, and now society and even the government are making efforts for them to be accepted in society.
Laxmii tackles a very important topic but is mixed with horror and comedy. What do you have to say about the same?
I think when these themes are created in an entertaining way, people become more interested. Preaching doesn’t help much.
What was the most challenging scene for you?
The action part was difficult to attempt, especially with a saree. What was quite challenging for me was modulating my voice. I have a very manly baritone and I didn’t want my lines to fall apart. As for the scene, when Laxmii gives the speech, it was an emotional moment for me. I remember it was shot in an auditorium and the stage was taking time. There were about 150 transgender people present during the sequence. He had arrived early and was chatting with them. My eyes were watery throughout the conversation when I realized the amount of torture they face. I didn’t speak to anyone else and kept my emotions to myself. I think that’s why the most difficult scene became a natural process for me.
While her performance is being praised, there is a certain section that feels like a transgender person could have played the part.
I absolutely agree that they could have done it, and maybe done better than me. It was the director’s decision, and since the role was a bit critical, he could have chosen to go with an experienced actor. They got a transgender person to play Geeta, and there were others around too.
Laxmii was also embroiled in other controversies prior to its release. As an actor, did that affect you?
You feel sad because you know that everyone has worked hard to make an entertaining movie. You also wonder why people mess with such unnecessary things. However, I have learned to ignore it and not let it affect me further.
He began his career with a leading role on television, but he never shied away from taking on smaller roles. What was the thinking behind this?
Honestly, it was a conscious call to evolve as an actor. There is always a choice between being a star or an actor, and I chose the latter. I want to keep doing different characters since this is how I will grow. I hope someone gives me a lead role too someday after seeing my work. I also think there is a certain age for a star, but being an actor is timeless.
Lastly, you fully possessed the character of Laxmii. So, if you had to rate Akshay’s performance as Laxmii, what would you say?
I think it was fabulous. If I have to rate it out of 10, I think I’ll give it 11.
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