In the vast expanse of Bollywood, where stars rise and fall, some names etch themselves into the hearts of audiences, leaving an indelible mark. One such name is Darsheel Safary, a once-child prodigy who captured the nation’s attention with his stellar performance in “Taare Zameen Par” and has continued to shine in the Indian film industry. His portrayal was nothing short of a revelation, earning him widespread acclaim and a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. Darsheel Safary displayed a level of maturity and emotional depth that left audiences and critics alike in awe. During an exclusive interview with TINDS, Darsheel shared with us his story of coming this far and becoming who he is today.
TINDS: Tell us a little about your childhood. Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
Darsheel: I was born and brought up in Mumbai. Growing up, many things kept happening in life, of which more were oriented towards acting and performing in different shows for concerts happening in schools and colleges. I had a knack for talking, and I spoke a lot. I loved generating reactions from friends and family or even strangers to the matter of fact. My parents decided to enroll me in dance classes, where I got the opportunity to audition for the film and got selected for the part.
TINDS: What three words describe you the best?
Darsheel: An over-thinker, emotional, and fun-loving.
TINDS: How do you get to audition for a film from a dance class?
Darsheel: I was dancing at Shamak Davar’s Dance Academy. I remember seeing a hand-drawn poster that spoke of the opportunity to work in a film with Aamir Khan. I had befriended Amole Gupte, sir, a week or two before the audition while they were researching kids in the classes regarding their behavior and whatnot. I was invited to the audition and selected for the part after three rounds.
TINDS: How did you feel about the overwhelming response and success of the movie once it was released? How did you cope at such a young age?
Darsheel: I did not understand much going on around, and I am thankful that I did not because, as a child, you tend to react immaturely, and when you are in the limelight, you are bound to be scrutinized even if you are a child. People are most likely to not consider your age. There was a vibe of positivity around me, and I felt that I belonged to every family because of all the love and care I received from everyone. These things still keep happening to date, and I enjoy it thoroughly. I have constantly been distracted by enough affection, inspiration, and fuel to push myself. As I grew, things started making more sense; I became more conscious and self-aware. As an actor, you cannot ask for a better gift.
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TINDS: How did you suddenly decide to just go on a break amidst the peak of your stardom as a kid?
Darsheel: I used to feel slightly uncomfortable about what I was becoming. I was always told what to say wherever I went, whether it be shows, gatherings, appearances, or interviews. I wondered why I couldn’t come up with it organically. I eagerly wanted to enjoy my college days and date someone! I had missed out on most of my social life in school. I figured I would be at it later. In the meantime, I discovered theater, and I knew the experience would be beneficial for my acting career. I did my first street play in 2013 and realized there was a new frontier of becoming an actor. Theater is the core of all story-telling because things happen live and there are no retakes. The technicalities of grasping a character and developing the role in front of the audience are challenging. I had a wonderful experience doing professional theater until the pandemic, and that’s when I realized what my entire break from the industry was all about. People kept assuming all sorts of stuff, and I had to reassure them that I was still well into acting. Right after the pandemic, I started getting film projects, and I shot for four films, of which three were released on the web and OTT platforms.
TINDS: Do you ever wish to work behind the camera?
Darsheel: Of course. I wrote my first story around 2017. It was a mystery paranormal drama about three friends. I was very inspired by the basics of writing and story-telling. I secretly directed that as a short film and funded it with all my theater savings. The entire experience intrigued me about the idea of filmmaking, which is terrific. Directing is a plan, and I do not know when because I have yet to play my role as an actor.
TINDS: People may always resemble you to your very first character, Ishaan Awasthi. How do you feel about that?
Darsheel: I am pleased about this, to be honest. If you have done something that people like fifteen or sixteen years later, you are lucky, as long as it’s a positive emotion. Whatever we do on screen, we do it for the audience. The film industry is facing a changing scenario now, specifically in Bollywood. The audiences have become more intelligent due to the emergence of the West and OTT platforms, which is forcing producers to choose more imaginative scripts and writers to write better stories. It’s like an absolute shift, we are in the Renaissance period, and everything is meant for the audience only.
TINDS: What would you have been if not an actor?
Darsheel: I would probably be a director, a writer, or a musician. Music is the first thing that comes to mind. I have some otherworldly connection with music. Sound and visuals are my forte; I was born to do these only.
TINDS: What are you currently busy with?
Darsheel: I have recently done two films. One is a murder mystery, which I am excited about because it would be like my second entry into Bollywood. I have worked with Adah Sharma and Sonali Kulkarni ma’am, which has been an absolute delight. A lot of stuff is happening around me, and I am also actively doing theater. I recently performed in Orissa. It’s fulfilling.
TINDS: Which do you enjoy more, performing on stage or in front of a camera?
Darsheel: I love not being myself but being within a character. I would put a stone in my heart and tell you that I enjoy theater more because it is possible to get a live reaction from the audience, and I love to see the spark in their eyes. When a play is going on, the one on stage can thoroughly sense the audience’s attention.
TINDS: What would your advice be to younger people out there?
Darsheel: A lot is happening around you, and the answer to every question lies within your surroundings. My sister, five years younger than me, once asked me about the importance of observing. You might find or know things that are useless to you at that given time but might be essential later in life. Be thankful for having a life and find the little pleasures that mean something to you. I have met kids who are more intelligent and more oriented in life than me, and it is incredible to see people with different perspectives. There’s life around you; be aware of your surroundings and value human relations more than material relationships. Everything will eventually work out, as long as you want it to happen.
| Find Him
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darsheelofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsafary/?hl=en |
