Darsheel Safary, widely recognised for his memorable role as Ishaan Avasthi in "Taare Zameen Par," recently discussed his latest project, "Gamerlog," and how he navigated his career post his early fame.
In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, alongside "Gamerlog" producers Abhinay Dev and Neeta Shah, and co-star Anjali Sivaraman, Darsheel offered insights into his acting journey, the challenges he faced, and the unique experience of working on "Gamerlog."
Delving into how his life transformed after the immense success of "Taare Zameen Par," Darsheel recounted a particularly surprising moment.
"There were a lot of such moments. I was not specifically prepared for these things. I was definitely prepared for one thing, that I am going to get canteen money from my mom on the first day after Friday. Correct. So, I was very confident about this one thing, that I will confidently take 50 rupees from my mom. I was never able to go to class from the canteen after that. That day, yes. It was Monday. Friday, the film released. We were in Delhi. And Saturday, Sunday. And then Monday, I had gone to school break. And all the students from first, second and third floor came around us. I didn't have two bodyguards. I was alone. And no angel can protect you from so many people. So I went straight to the principal's cabin. He thought I was involved in a fight with someone. So he then said, Darsheel, I think take a gap of one or two days. And then I will announce in the assembly that you can't do this. And ma'am was very supportive. So she handled the whole situation very well. That was my first day in my life as an actor."
Talking about how Darsheel accepted his fame later, he said, "So I was a little shocked. And after that, such events happened with me more often. Because I am new to this. So normally, I would go down to play cricket. I would just go down to get some vegetables if mom asked me to. I would just do that. I didn't know that there was a risk in this. So then slowly, wearing a cap, goggles, wearing a handkerchief, avoiding crowded places, it took me some time. I am a little naughty. I am rebellious. I hate these things. So I used to rebel against that. But then I realised that you have to be within yourself. You have to maintain those boundaries. And then I got used to it. Then for me, it became very, interestingly, an interaction with people.
“Suddenly, there would be a conversation. They would tell me a story of their life, which would impact me emotionally, which I could use as an actor in the future. As I grew up, my facial features changed. I have had strange conversations with strangers at the airport, who will talk about their earphones. And then later they will realise, I have seen you somewhere. Are you this? So for me, this interaction started to mean a lot. And it impacted me very, very positively."
When asked if he enjoyed this newfound interaction, he enthusiastically replied, "I loved it. That's what I am telling you. It impacted me very, very positively. To meet people, their different lives. And I realized, at the end of the day, we are all one. We just have to share and express. I just sit there. I am also curious. I am also listening. What's going on? I met one person at the airport recently. His laptop, his bag was all over the place. I was just listening. And then I was like, this can happen. Just a give and take. So for me, I felt that was one of the positive sides of finding this popularity as an actor."
Regarding the number of offers he declined before "Gamerlog," Darsheel admitted, "There are a lot. I can't list this. Very honestly. And I told you, the first reason was, I was feeling a little nervous as an actor. Because I hadn't done any formal training. I had worked with Aamir Sir, which is a training in itself. And I had worked with 2-3 directors after that. But as an actor, I hadn't done any training. I had not joined any classes. Then after doing theatre also, I was doing some auditions, but I was still looking at that right story, that right concept, that right freshness. You know, when you mentioned the cast, there's a freshness to these people. There's a new energy. So for me also, it was like going back to my old days as an actor, when I was also starting out. So to match that energy, that was one of the reasons also, where I was like, it will be fun to do this. You know, everybody is fresh, the writers, the entire team, Arya Sir himself, you know, his first project too. And then, what happens is, when it's your first thing, when you're starting off, you make it with a lot of love. So that was also something for me, that it will be made with a lot of love, whatever it is, and it will be a lot of fun. Yeah."
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
