Sharad Kelkar On Nishikant Kamat: “He Had A Habit Of Calling Everyone A Sir/Ma’am”

Actor Sharad Kelkar has worked with the late filmmaker Nishikant Kamat twice, in the critically acclaimed Marathi film “Lai Bhaari” and the Bollywood flick “Rocky Handsome”. For Sharad, “Nishi sir” was more of a mentor and a friend than a director. The filmmaker passed away on August 17 at the age of 50 after battling liver cirrhosis for the past two years.

He writes: I knew Nishi sir for the past 12 or 13 years. We had a common group and used to meet quite often. At that time, I was working television and he was making films. Whenever we used to meet, weekly or once in a fortnight, we use to have a lot of fun. We never discussed work. He was a senior and a good friend. Out of the blue, one fine morning he called me and offered me ‘Lai Bhaari’, and I instantly agreed to do the role. From then, things changed in my career.

He was extremely supportive on the set. When on the set, he would address me as sir. He had a habit of calling everyone as sir or ma’am. That’s a culture he followed. His behaviour towards everyone was very respectful. He was a disciplined person and had a good sense of humour. He was so confident about his filmmaking. I have never seen anybody in my life who is so clear about his shots, about what he wanted to make.