Sharad Kelkar's portfolio as a voiceover artiste is as prolific as his acting work. Kelkar now voices Wolverine in Marvel's Wastelanders, an audio series on Audible India. A t2 chat.

Along with being an actor, you are a foremost name when it comes to dubbing and voice work. How was voicing Wolverine in Marvel's Wastelanders different from the voice work you have done before?

It was an exciting experience. The character of Wolverine carries such a rich legacy and depth and bringing him to life in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting for the Wastelanders series was both thrilling and challenging.

What set this apart was the opportunity to not just dub but to truly embody the character through voice acting. Mantra (director) was instrumental in helping me understand the nuances of the character. This allowed me to go into unexplored dimensions of Wolverine's persona, considering his age and the emotional weight he carries of not being able to save his friends.

The biggest takeaway for me was the creative freedom to infuse my interpretation into the character while also staying true to the essence of Wolverine that fans know and love.

Take us through the process, with its challenges and its creative highs...

One significant challenge of voicing Wolverine was meeting the expectations of the audience familiar with the character. Wolverine is iconic and fans have a certain image associated with him, especially in terms of voice. I needed to deliver a portrayal that resonated with them while adding my touch to it. It was also important to strike the right balance between staying faithful to Wolverine's iconic traits while also portraying the complexities of his character in this particular storyline. Considering there were no visual cues, it was challenging to convey his gruffness, inner turmoil and sense of duty through my voice alone. I would say that exploring the depths of his character was immensely satisfying to me as a voice artiste.

Are you a fan of the Marvel Universe and of Wolverine?

Absolutely! I have been a fan of the Marvel Universe since my childhood and Wolverine has always held a special place in my heart. What makes Wolverine stand out is his sheer complexity. He is not your conventional superhero... he is flawed, haunted by his past and constantly grappling with his inner demons. Yet, beneath that tough exterior lies a deeply human soul, with compassion and sacrifice. I think that this constant struggle between his animalistic instincts and his sense of morality is what makes Wolverine so compelling and relatable to audiences worldwide.

Do you listen to podcasts and audiobooks?

I do enjoy audiobooks and podcasts, especially when I am on the go. One thing that fascinates me most about the medium is its ability to transport listeners into different worlds solely through the power of voice. Unlike traditional forms of storytelling, audiobooks and podcasts allow for a more immersive experience where listeners can let their imagination run wild as they visualise the narrative unfolding through the spoken word. It also allows for multitasking, stimulates the minds of the listeners and engages their senses in a truly unique way.

Though you do a variety of dubbing and voice work, would you agree that your voice has become synonymous with Prabhas?

I am honoured to be the voice of such a massive star of the country and grateful for the recognition that voicing Bahubali has brought me. I am a hungry artiste and I am looking forward to what will come my way next.

In the last few years, how have you seen the roles that are offered to you as an actor evolve?

There is a growing demand for narratives that are diverse, nuanced and reflective of the evolving tastes of audiences. This has opened up opportunities to portray characters like Jagtap in Indian Police Force, Parvez in Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga, Baji Prabhu Deshpande in Har Har Mahadev and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Tanhaji, allowing me to explore different facets of my craft. With the rise of OTT, I have a newfound excitement in engaging with a wider audience. Whether it's through captivating performances on screen or voice work, I aspire to leave a lasting impact as an artiste.