The 72nd National Film Awards were recently announced, and Rajkummar Rao’s critically acclaimed biographical drama Srikanth took home the prestigious title of Best Hindi Feature Film. This monumental achievement wasn’t just a cinematic milestone; it was a deeply personal victory for the entire cast and crew who poured their souls into telling the extraordinary real-life journey of visually-impaired industrialist Srikanth Bolla.
Actor Sharad Kelkar, who played a pivotal role in the film’s success, recently celebrated the movie receiving the country’s highest cinematic honor.
More Than Just a Bollywood Story
In the film, Sharad Kelkar portrayed Ravi Mantha—the steadfast investor, mentor, and friend who believed in Srikanth when others saw only obstacles. Known for his commanding screen presence and warm, resonant voice, Kelkar has always been an actor drawn to stories backed by strong conviction.
However, Srikanth stood out from the start. It deliberately stepped away from glossy, conventional Bollywood tropes, building its foundation instead on pure grit, inclusivity, and the unwavering belief that a disability is never a barrier to ambition.
“A Reminder of Why Stories Need to Be Told”
Reflecting on the National Award win, Sharad Kelkar shared his emotional reaction to the film’s success.
“Some films you do for the craft, and some you do because the universe reminds you why stories need to be told in the first place,” Kelkar stated. “When Tushar [Hiranandani] brought us this script, we weren’t thinking about awards. We just wanted to do justice to Srikanth Bolla’s incredible spirit. This award is a recognition and validation for stories that matter”.
He further emphasized the profound impact the role had on him personally:
“Playing Ravi Mantha taught me so much about quiet faith. Seeing the film honored with a National Award feels like the purest form of validation. It tells us that real, heartwarming human stories still find their way straight to the nation’s heart.”
A Landmark in Inclusive Cinema
Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, Srikanth is led brilliantly by Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, supported by a stellar cast that includes Jyotika, Alaya F, and Sharad Kelkar. The film won critical praise upon its release for staying close to the real events that shaped Bolla’s life.
More than just a biographical drama, the project has been widely recognized for its authentic commitment to inclusivity. Notably, the production featured dozens of visually impaired actors throughout its filming.
For Sharad Kelkar and the entire team, watching Srikanth earn the Best Hindi Feature Film accolade proves that cinema’s true power ultimately lies in empathy and honest storytelling.
