Sharad Kelkar responds to highest-paid actor tag with Tum Se Tum Tak, says 'People shouldn't be jealous' 

Sharad Kelkar on being the highest paid Tv actor

Sharad Kelkar, a familiar face on Indian television and cinema screens, is all set to return to the small screen with the upcoming romantic drama Tum Se Tum Tak.

The highly anticipated series, which co-stars Faltu actress Niharika Chouksey, is set to debut on July 7, 2025, and has already created a lot of buzz, especially in light of rumours that Kelkar is the highest-paid actor on the show.

Addressing the speculation in an interview with IANS, the 48-year-old actor responded candidly, “Yes, I charge for it. What’s wrong with that? If someone is earning well, people should be happy—not jealous. It’s a sign of achievement.” He continued, “If an actor returns to television, it’s because they have value. No one’s calling you back just for nostalgia—you have to bring something to the table.”

Over two decades into his acting career, Sharad first became well-known for his performance in the 2004 Doordarshan drama Aakrosh. He plays the part of Aryavardhan in Tum Se Tum Tak, a 46-year-old quiet and influential businessman whose life is intertwined with that of Anu (Niharika), a sweet young woman from a lowly upbringing. As the characters try to overcome their extreme age and social differences while defying social norms, the story promises a complex emotional journey.

Speaking about his decision to join the show, Kelkar revealed that he was initially approached for the role back in January, but had to decline due to ongoing filming commitments for another series. When the producers returned in March with a renewed offer and an expanded brief, he was instantly intrigued.

Also Read: R Madhavan goes clean-shaven, calls It ‘shaver’s remorse’

“The story felt extremely compelling,” he said, citing the show’s “two worlds colliding” theme and unconventional romantic narrative as key factors in his decision.

Sharad's star power and experience, along with the show's novel concept, should appeal to both younger and seasoned television viewers.

Actress Keerti Gaekwad Kelkar, who is best known for playing Chandni/Devika in Saat Phere-Salami Ka Safar, is Sharad's wife. In 2006, the couple was loved by viewers when they competed in Nach Baliye 2.