It’s difficult to imagine the boy who effortlessly played Ishaan Awasthi in Taare Zameen Par (2007) as anyone else. He has moved on, and so must we. Darsheel Safary—26 now—was last seen in Kutch Express and Ho Jaa Mukht and has been roped in the sports drama Hukus Bukus.

Directed by Mahesh Bhatt’s protégé, Vinay Bhardwaj, the film is cricket-centric and explores the dynamics between a father and son. “Hukus Bukus is a captivating blend of spirituality, cricket, and the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir,” says the actor, who plays the character of Arjun in the film.

“I am an ardent fan of Sachin Tendulkar, just like my character. Arjun’s journey in the film is a rollercoaster ride of dreams, passion, and unshakable faith in the world of cricket. Hukus Bukus revolves around the conflict between a father and son and their heroes—Sri Krishna and the God of Cricket, Sachin,” says the actor, hoping that he is able to connect with the youth, especially when their opinions vary from their fathers.

Brushing up his cricket skills for the film was a “fantastic experience”, says the actor, who prepped for two weeks and played endlessly with the crew to elevate his performance. “I gained a newfound appreciation for the sport,” he shares.