Now a 25-year-old young man who, by his own admission, has achieved a lot in life, Darsheel did not blink an eye to pique our curiosity. It was near midnight when we started talking. The talks were lengthy and we decided to do the second round as well.
Here are excerpts from the conversation:
You turned 25 last month. Late ‘Happy Returns’…
(Looks up) I have had the privilege of working with Priyadarshan sir (Bum Bum Bole in 2010), Walt Disney (Zoccomon in 2011) and Deepa Mehta Ma’am (Midnight’s Children in 2012). I enjoyed my freedom in college. I was introduced to theatre, which is an experience that cannot be replaced. But, I imagined myself in a certain way when I would turn 25 and the reality was something else. Anant Mahadevan gave me some really good advice.
What?
He told me that I should have a learning attitude and even though I have done 1000 shows, I should always feel that this is the first time. And then came the pandemic. Don’t know why, but time went by fast.
I thought I would be established as an actor at the age of 25. I thought life would be easier. I thought I would be resolved spiritually. And yes, I never thought that we would be hit by a pandemic (smiles). Last year was challenging for me. And, note, I’m sugar-coated it.
Tell us about the challenges?
I was traveling across the country for not one but two plays. Suddenly everything came to a standstill. to imagine! I was in talks with several filmmakers on many exciting projects. He all went for the toss. I had some sort of crisis. Questions arose in my mind – will the world remain the same? Will I be the same Rahunga (Will I remain the same)? Who is Darsheel? Why does he go up on stage? Why is he an actor? Many half-hearted (twisted) doubts and questions started running in my mind.
My parents and friends would encourage me to be patient. I’ll go back to saying they can’t feel what I’m doing because they’re not in my shoes. The pace had stalled, which is the worst for an actor; Band baj jaati hai (the person gets jacked). I was wondering how I would get this time back.
I understand you tasted immense success in your first film ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and maybe this is the reason why you felt…
We all think we have to move on and take the next step up, right?
Are you reaching out to filmmakers or casting directors?
Do you know that there are some people who have come up to me and said that they thought I had given up acting? Eventually I decided ‘Yeh sab gaya tel lene (let’s not get upset)’ and I should be myself. The pandemic was getting weaker and I started going out to meet my friends. We all think too much. Stop thinking now (we should stop thinking so much).
When ‘TZP’ set the box-office on fire, did people in the school think ‘Aap bahu bhava khaane lage ho’…
If you do a film, everyone’s eyes are on you. They make their decision and you have to face the consequences. I faced bullying in school by my seniors. Even my watchman in my building has a certain notion about actors. Worse, you are not even aware that the world is looking at you from different angles. Even your family seems to see you differently, at least to some degree.
Let me take you back to the first day I went to school after ‘TZP’ released. I was surrounded. My tie was pulled. I had to take half a day to save myself. Today, however, I understand that an actor has to be prepared for such things.
Are you in touch? Aamir Mine?
My father is in touch with Aamir uncle. He guided me on most of the projects I did after ‘TZP’ and gave me his agreements.
Would you like to work in the camps? Do you miss someone in the industry who has your back?
To be honest, I had no idea at first what camps were. I thought camps meant groups of people who like to work with each other. And, I haven’t given much thought to the camps. Anyway, look at the camps. If I begin to belong to some camp, it will mean that I am taking the shorter route. My life has taken me a long way. Everyone has their own journey, right?
Are you saying that you don’t miss working with me? Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khanand others?
No, I am not saying that. Actually, I want to work with him. who would not? Janhvi and Sara are established names in the industry. I believe that everyone gets their chance. Maybe in a few years I’ll get mine too.
Do you think Star Kids has an edge? Are you jealous of them?
I think his life has been sensationalized by the fact that his journey is easy. But if their parents make their lives easier, what’s wrong? Effect is used everywhere- be it in school, college or any other place. Tomorrow if I have a child and I can make his life easier, I will do it.
At the end of the day, a producer will cast whomever they want to cast. If someone keeps grinding, things will work out. I do not think that I will be discriminated against. And the fact is that I have not faced any kind of discrimination till now. On the contrary, I consider myself lucky to have no bag-luggage carrying on me.
So you are saying that if you were the son of a star, you would always be compared to your father and people would say that you are not as good as him…
of course. you got it right That’s exactly my take on your previous question. Look around, isn’t it happening in a big way? (pause).
continue…
And, not having a bag-and-baggage gives you the freedom and scope to maintain your original style. Sometimes, you can even take a step back and introspect who you are. That’s great for an actor.
Which actor’s journey has inspired you the most?
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Journey My mother is still surprised that he was in ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ (Nawazuddin was featured in a scene in which Munna, played by Sanjay Dutt, pretends to be a doctor in front of his parents but is out of character for Nawaz becomes) – and now look at her! Ayushmann Khurrana and Rajkummar Rao too. And yes, how can I forget Amitabh Bachchan Shahrukh Khan, If I feel lost, I go on the internet and watch their interviews. It inspires me.
Why don’t you put bare body pictures on Instagram? A lot of men aspire. In fact, many actors tell us that they want to increase their followers because many producers and directors have started casting as per the strength of the actor and are getting dragged on social media?
Maybe this is happening, but I would not like to put such pictures. However, two years ago I had a good body.
Why would you not want to put such pictures?
I feel shy.
Then how will you do intimate scenes that have become as common as salt and pepper?
ask me about it! Now this is another matter.
Does this mean that you have declined such offers?
I haven’t refused, but they didn’t work. My answer to your question would be: I would think about it only if the project in question is good.
Please make it clear. After ‘TZP’ in 2007 there was buzz that your father had asked for Rs 2 crore as your acting fee for director Ajay Monga’s film…
I met Mr. Monga and things did not work out. That’s all I remember. I don’t know how this discussion started. Honestly, I don’t know what really happened. But if I had asked for it, I would have come to know by today (if there was any truth in this, I would have known till today). The beauty is that Mr. Monga and I met a few years ago at an event.
And?
We were very good with each other. We talked with each other very happily.
What is your relationship status?
I am not very comfortable with this question. If I say ‘yes’, I may be asked to name her. Let’s say ‘this is complicated’. That’s a good way to stay neutral (laughs)
Didn’t you get many offers after ‘TZP’ and you rejected many of them?
Yes, I did. So much was happening in terms of demand that we were overwhelmed. Everyone who contacted us was in a hurry. To be honest, we were so overwhelmed that it became difficult for us to take stock of the situation. We decided to go slow and focus on good content.
So yes, I am from 2007. But now slowly, the work is coming in my hand. I have shot for a web show. I have completed a Gujarati film with Ratna Pathak ma’am and Mansi Parekh. I have shot a few commercials and even for an anthology film. I am shooting for another film in May. I have shot for a film ‘Mukt’, in which my character made a lot of demands to take out the frustration. Maine bhadas nikal di (I got to vent my despair). By the grace of God, I am back to be happy.
