Shashank Ketkar steps into the SonyLIV hit Scam 2003: The Telgi Story as Jayant “JK” Karmarkar, a pivotal figure in Abdul Karim Telgi’s massive counterfeit stamp racket. While Gagan Dev Riar carries the series as Telgi, Ketkar’s JK is the invisible hand that keeps the machinery running — a role that’s as understated as it is indispensable.
Who is Jayant “JK” Karmarkar?
In the drama inspired by real events, JK functions as the logistical backbone. He connects Telgi’s counterfeit operations to local distributors, printers, and underground networks. Unlike Mukesh Tiwari’s Suryapratap Gehlot, who represents the state crackdown, JK embodies the quiet efficiency of the criminal supply chain. His presence adds grit and scale to the scam, reminding viewers that such frauds require entire ecosystems, not just a mastermind.
Shashank Ketkar’s transition to Hindi web series
Known primarily for his Marathi television work, especially the popular show Honar Sun Me Hya Gharchi, Ketkar’s casting was widely covered in Wikipedia’s entry on Scam 2003 and Indian entertainment media.
His move into Hindi streaming has been praised as timely and bold. On screen, Ketkar delivers JK with minimalism: sharp looks, restrained dialogue, and a grounded realism that balances the flamboyance of Telgi’s rise.
Appearances across episodes
JK’s footprint grows deeper in Volume 2. He is seen negotiating paper supplies, setting up shadow distribution in Mumbai, and navigating tense handovers that eventually attract police attention. Our episode guide breaks down where JK’s arc intensifies, making it easier for viewers to follow the turning points in the scam.
Is JK based on a real person?
Like many characters as depicted by Rotten Tomatoes, JK appears to be a composite figure. The showrunners condense several real-life operatives into one dramatic persona to streamline storytelling without misreporting identities. As IMDb’s cast list notes, Ketkar’s role is credited as Jayant “JK” Karmarkar, a creation tailored for the series’ narrative needs rather than a direct one-to-one portrayal of any single accomplice.
Why JK matters to Scam 2003
Without JK, the series would risk becoming a duel solely between Telgi and investigators. JK injects procedural realism. He is the figure handling the grunt work of counterfeiting — from sourcing the fake stamp paper to ensuring smooth circulation across states. His presence emphasizes the structural complexity of the scam, much like Sana Amin Sheikh’s Nafisa brings emotional depth to Telgi’s personal story.
Critical reception
While most reviews spotlight Gagan Dev Riar’s Telgi as the expanded cast in Volume 2, where Ketkar’s JK plays a significant role. His understated delivery has been appreciated for grounding the heightened drama of financial crime with raw operational realism.
Quick facts
- Character: Jayant “JK” Karmarkar, operational link in Telgi’s counterfeit stamp network.
- Actor: Shashank Ketkar.
- Significance: JK represents the infrastructural web that keeps the scam running.
Should you watch for him?
If you’re drawn to authentic portrayals of underworld mechanics, Ketkar’s JK is a reason to watch closely. His work exemplifies how SonyLIV has built the Scam franchise: nuanced characters who elevate true-crime storytelling far beyond clichés.
FAQs
Shashank Ketkar.
The operations conduit in Telgi’s counterfeit stamp chain.
His role gains weight in Volume 2, especially in episodes dealing with distribution and manufacturing logistics.
No, he’s likely a composite of many real intermediaries in the scam network.
Iconic Marathi TV actor, best known for Honar Sun Me Hya Gharchi.
