JOIN USHe is just back on shoot after a month-and-a-half, courtesy a broken hand that he was nursing. When I catch up with Sandalwood star Darshan, it is business as usual on the sets of his new movie.
Son of veteran Kannada actor Thoogudeepa Srinivas, Darshan made his debut in a lead role in the 2001 film, Majestic. He has followed this up with several films like Kariya (2003), Namma Preethiya Ramu (2003), Kalasipalya (2005), Gaja (2008), Saarathi (2011), Chingari (2012) Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012), Bulbul (2013), Ambareesha (2014) and Mr. Airavata (2015) among others.
Starting out as an assistant cameraman and dabbling in small roles, his first movie Majestic in a way proved lucky for him. So I ask him how he looks back at his journey. “I am still the same person. I am fortunate that I have been able to continue working in the industry. Of course, Kannada films are becoming more lavish and we are certainly improving quality-wise. I am glad that I have been able to consistently entertain my fans.”
He is currently basking in the glory of his superhit film Mr Airavata, directed by A P Arjun. Incidentally, Darshan shed a whopping 8 kg and built a six pack for this movie. “I will do whatever it takes for a movie and ensure that my fans get to see me in a different avatar each time.” Likewise, the actor says that he takes hits and flops in his stride. “I know that when a film does not work, I have to learn from it and ensure I do better in the next film.”
Darshan is content with working in Sandalwood and says his hands are pretty much full, which leaves him with no time to work in other regional films. “I am happy working here and would like to focus my attention on Kananda movies.”
Likewise, he says that movies keep him so busy that he has little time to do television. Darshan has also forayed into film production and distribution, and established his production house Thoogudeepa Productions in 2006. As actor, producer and distributor, he says he enjoys acting the most. “Acting is the best and production is not too bad, being a distributor is hard. My brother Dinakar takes care of distribution.”
The actor’s love for animals is also a well known fact and he makes light of it saying it has been a passion. “I have adopted a tiger and an elephant in the Mysuru zoo.” He is equally passionate about cars and bikes.
For someone who has been the centre of much media attention, he says that he is clear that he does not let rumours bother him. “I always talk about films, my personal space is something that no one has the right to ask about.” He is also active on social media and says it is the best way to connect with fans and take a stand for what he believes in. The actor is currently shooting for Jaggu Dada. “It is an out and out comedy and I am playing the role of an underworld don. Am also looking at some other subjects and the idea is to do different kinds of roles. I will speak about them when the time is right.”
He admits he is an open book and says he makes no plans for the future. “All I want to do is to continue to entertain my fans and do good work.”
A man of few words, Darshan is certainly a class apart.