“The excitement for birthdays changes with age. Earlier, I used to be excited, but then, I started taking it one year at a time. Every birthday, I compare myself to last year and see how far I have come. It keeps me grounded and gives me a reality check. So, this one day of my life is all about introspection,” says actor Darsheel Safary, who turns 23 today. He adds, “I want to be a better version of myself and each day, I try to do one good thing better than yesterday. It could be listening to a new kind of song, or reading a book or just about anything big or small but different.”

Last year was unprecedented and he recalls that he had a number of things planned, but ended up spending most of it at home. “I had my theatre shows and travel planned but this curve ball in form of the Coronavirus pandemic threw everyone off. The bottom line is I’m happy where I am. I’m not making any plans as plan bana ke thak gaya hoon (laughs). I’m taking things as they come... I also want to write scripts as I have stories to tell,” says the Taare Zameen Par (2007) actor.

Besides spending time with family and focusing on fitness, last year, Safary also shot for an episode in a web show, appeared in a music video, and has shot for two projects — both exploring the dark space. “I also shot for another short film, Dramayama, with Renee Sen, which was fun... I want to explore the darker side of characters as I haven’t done that in my career before. I’m currently shooting a film which is exciting as it will be a massive surprise for all,” says the actor, who admits that he is dating but doesn’t want to divulge more just yet.