Showing posts with label Darshan Kumaar interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darshan Kumaar interview. Show all posts
I’ve had the doors shut on my face when I’ve gone to ask for work-Darshan Kumaar
8:11 AM
Iti Shree Misra (BOMBAY TIMES; July 1, 2022)
Darshan Kumaar, who is enjoying the popularity he has gained in recent times, feels grateful for all the love he is getting from the audience. “It feels surreal actually. It’s taken a long, long time for me to come here but I don’t want to take all of this for granted. It feels good now when people recognize me and acknowledge me. I have some wonderful projects in my repertoire, I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the best people in the industry in TV and in films and now web too. For instance, now I’m working with Satish sir, Anupam sir and Neena Gupta ji again in Kaagaz 2. I have learnt so much from them,” he says.
‘I WOULD CARRY MY SHOES IN A PACKET TO AUDITIONS SO THAT THEY WOULDN’T GET DIRTY’
Remembering that period of struggle when he would subside on glucose biscuits and travel on foot across Mumbai for auditions, only to be rejected, Darshan says, “I would wear slippers and carry my shoes in a packet so that they wouldn’t get dirty, and would change into them for auditions. There have been so many times when I’ve had the doors shut on my face when I’ve gone to ask for work. And now, people are sending me scripts at my home.”
But he says there were people along the way who helped him and gave him advice which he follows till date. He shares, “Working with Neena Gupta ji, Naseer sir in theatre and the likes of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Manoj Pahwa, Satish Kaushik, Prakash Jha sir has been a very enriching experience for me. I remember I was so nervous when I had to face the media for the first time during the promotion of Mary Kom. I was just in my jeans and T-shirt and was so nervous when all the cameras started popping in my face. I would close my eyes each time the flash would go on. Then Priyanka (Chopra Jonas) told me, just be your honest self because nothing is hidden from the camera. Be honest and be confident. And that’s what I did.”
‘WHEN I STARTED MY CAREER THERE WERE VERY FEW OPTIONS FOR ACTORS’
Doing theatre and ads helped Darshan, also seen as the antagonist in Anushka Sharma’s NH10 and a lawyer in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Sarbjit, carry on with his dreams. “When I started my career there were very few options for actors. I was mainly focusing on my theatre shows at that time. Once during my morning walk I met Dimpy, a casting director, who used to reside in the same society. She asked me to visit her office and audition for a TV series. It was my first audition and that’s how I got selected for my first serial Chhoti Bahu,” he says. Later, Darshan went on to do shows like Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo and Devon Ke Dev. . . Mahadev.
‘OTT HAS HELPED MANY THEATRE ACTORS AS WELL AS METHOD ACTORS’
Talking about television these days, Darshan says, “I understand that our TV industry works on TRPs and so the content providers are also focussing on the tracks which are mostly loved by our audiences.”
And although Darshan is busy with film projects, he says he would love to be on a TV show again. “I would love to host a reality show. TV is the best medium to connect with people as you become a part of their everyday life and in turn are showered with immense love.”
Ask him why these days there are few experienced actors from theatre making a foray on TV and Darshan says, “Now thanks to the OTT platform it has opened a new horizon for actors as well as producers, directors and technicians. So now along with good content there is a demand for good actors in our industry. I believe this has helped many theatre actors as well as method actors to perform their dream roles in TV serials as well as in OTT and other various platforms. On the other hand now all newcomers are getting a good opportunity to perform in serials where they are earning as well as learning their craft everyday so it’s a win-win situations for everyone.”
After The Family Man's shoot, it took me two weeks to shake off the character-Darshan Kumaar
8:11 AM
High on success of 'The Family Man 2', Darshan Kumaar on playing terror attack mastermind
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 21, 2021)
In 'The Family Man 2' where the lines between heroes and villains are blurred, with each character’s motivation fuelled by the unjust done to him, Darshan Kumaar’s Major Sameer stands out as the only all-black character. As the mastermind behind the terror attack, he is seen running the show from London.
“Major Sameer is always ready with a Plan B. He has the capacity to carry out huge missions, is flamboyant yet focused, and can go to any lengths to execute his plans. He is the most dangerous guy on the show. As we see in the news, there are many like Major Sameer who are killing countless innocent people for their selfish reasons,” says Kumaar, happy with the praise coming his way for his restrained act.
“My phone is filled with messages of praise from the film fraternity. It was a tough part; I had to create a backstory and work with conviction. After the shoot, it took me two weeks to shake off the character.”
The actor has another promising release in 'Toofaan' that sees him alongside Farhan Akhtar and Paresh Rawal. He underwent two-month training at a boxing facility in Mumbai before slipping into the role of a Maharashtrian boxer, Dharmesh Patil. “This phase feels like déjà vu. Last year, around the same time, two of my shows — 'Avrodh' and 'Aashram' — had dropped, and were loved by the audience. Now, 'The Family Man' is bringing a smile to people’s faces in these critical times. Hopefully, Toofaan will do the same,” says Kumaar, who has also shot for a film with Zee Studio, and has a thriller with R Madhavan in the pipeline.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan inspired me to better myself as an actor-Darshan Kumaar
8:06 AM
Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; May 13, 2016)
For someone without a 'filmi' background and godfather in Bollywood, Darshan Kumar found
success with his first two films - Mary Kom and NH10. In his third
outing, Sarbjit, the actor will be seen as a Pakistani lawyer. In an
interview with BT, Darshan talks about his role, working with Aishwarya
Rai Bachchan and his friend Randeep Hooda. Excerpts:
How did Sarbjit happen?
I had worked with director Omung Kumar in Mary Kom and we share a good working relation. He offered me the role of real-life Pakistani lawyer, Awais Sheikh. While doing research, I was impressed with him as he had done an extraordinary job for the sake of humanity. Despite staying in Pakistan, he was fighting for Indian prisoners at the cost of his life.
What kind of research did you do for the role?
I didn't get a chance to meet Awaisji when we were filming as he stays in Sweden now. But I spoke to him over the phone and he gave me some vital inputs. I also saw some of his footage, observed the way he behaves and picked up his mannerisms. Also, I have been to Pakistan a couple of times for my plays. During my stay, I had interacted with the locals, so I knew their accent. I discovered that a lot of them speak Urdu with a touch of Punjabi, so I worked on my accent accordingly.
How was it sharing screen space with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?
It was a dream come true to work with her. On the first day, I was a little nervous but after giving my first shot, I found her to be co-operative. She is hardworking, dedicated and passionate about every scene. She wants each scene to be perfect, so she rehearses a lot. When you work with a person like her, who is so professional and humble, you are inspired to do better.
Randeep Hooda and you go a long way back to your theatre days.
We have trained under the same theatre group and had the same mentor - Naseeruddin Shah. We know each other's technique which made it easier for us to work in the film. Our off screen camaraderie can be seen on screen and we have some impactful scenes in the film. Randeep is a brilliant actor. According to me, this is the best performance of his career.
How has the success of your two films changed the industry's perception towards you?
Earlier, there were days when I was out of work. But now, filmmakers have started approaching me directly for roles. I am glad people have liked my work and given me such a positive response. It feels nice when eminent people from the industry appreciate my work. But on the other hand, it makes my job even tougher because now the expectation is higher.
How did Sarbjit happen?
I had worked with director Omung Kumar in Mary Kom and we share a good working relation. He offered me the role of real-life Pakistani lawyer, Awais Sheikh. While doing research, I was impressed with him as he had done an extraordinary job for the sake of humanity. Despite staying in Pakistan, he was fighting for Indian prisoners at the cost of his life.
What kind of research did you do for the role?
I didn't get a chance to meet Awaisji when we were filming as he stays in Sweden now. But I spoke to him over the phone and he gave me some vital inputs. I also saw some of his footage, observed the way he behaves and picked up his mannerisms. Also, I have been to Pakistan a couple of times for my plays. During my stay, I had interacted with the locals, so I knew their accent. I discovered that a lot of them speak Urdu with a touch of Punjabi, so I worked on my accent accordingly.
How was it sharing screen space with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?
It was a dream come true to work with her. On the first day, I was a little nervous but after giving my first shot, I found her to be co-operative. She is hardworking, dedicated and passionate about every scene. She wants each scene to be perfect, so she rehearses a lot. When you work with a person like her, who is so professional and humble, you are inspired to do better.
Randeep Hooda and you go a long way back to your theatre days.
We have trained under the same theatre group and had the same mentor - Naseeruddin Shah. We know each other's technique which made it easier for us to work in the film. Our off screen camaraderie can be seen on screen and we have some impactful scenes in the film. Randeep is a brilliant actor. According to me, this is the best performance of his career.
How has the success of your two films changed the industry's perception towards you?
Earlier, there were days when I was out of work. But now, filmmakers have started approaching me directly for roles. I am glad people have liked my work and given me such a positive response. It feels nice when eminent people from the industry appreciate my work. But on the other hand, it makes my job even tougher because now the expectation is higher.
I don't carry any baggage-Anushka Sharma
7:51 AM
Anushka Sharma draws this analogy between her life's motto and theme of her upcoming film, 'NH10', during her recent visit to mid-day office along with co-actors Neil Bhoopalam and Darshan Kumar
Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; March 10, 2015)
How did you come about trusting Navdeep Singh for your first production?
Anushka: I hadn't seen his first film ('Manorama Six Feet Under'), but had heard great things about it from Vikas Bahl and Anurag Kashyap. I met Navdeep at my house; Vikas and Vikramaditya (Motwane) were also present. The two of them kept talking about the film while Navdeep stayed mum. After listening to them, I asked for Navdeep's opinion. He shifted a bit and said the film was nothing like the way Vikas and Vikram pitched it. I was sold. This man who has not made a film for years tells me with utmost honesty in front of the producers that the film is not how they described it. He was clear about what he wanted and it seemed exciting.
Neil: Navdeep is pretty sure about what he wants. There is no faffing around.
Rajkummar Rao was supposed to do the film with you. How did Neil Bhoopalam come into the picture?
Anushka: I didn't even know Rajkummar was doing the film, so I was shocked to see an article about me throwing him out of the film. Even Freida Pinto was supposed to do the film before me.
Darshan: Yes, initially it was Rajkummar, Freida and me.
Anushka: When I came on board, it was Neil opposite me. Navdeep may have thought Rajkummar didn't fit the role; he is the best person to answer this question.
Having been on the other side, do you look at producers in a different way now?
Anushka: I have learnt how difficult it is to make films. There are a lot of opinions and creative differences. You also learn about what is sellable and what isn't. 'NH10' is purely content-driven; there are no songs in this 1 hour 45 minute-long film.
Darshan: There is one promotional song though. It is called 'Chhil gaye naina', and has received a lot of appreciation.
Was she a good producer?
Darshan: We didn't feel that she was the producer.
Anushka: The easiest time for the producer is when the film is being shot. The real test is selling the film. It was a challenging role for me as an actor and then I had work in collaboration with my brother (Karnesh, co-producer) too. Our responsibilities are well divided. Apart from the sand storm accident, everything was smooth sailing.
Who came up with the title 'Clean Slate' for the production house?
Anushka: Me! That's how I like to live my life. I don't carry any baggage. The idea was to bring new ideas and thoughts.
Meet Darshan Kumaar, Priyanka Chopra’s screen husband in Mary Kom
8:53 AM
Subhash K Jha (DNA; September 8, 2014)
He played the character of Onler Karong Kom, Mary
Kom’s screen husband in the biopic. Darshan Kumaar lost 12 kgs to look
convincing for the part. But for the Jat actor from Delhi, the struggle
paid off. Critics and audiences have applauded his performance.
Says the excited actor, “I had to go on a strict grilled chicken and oil-free fish protein diet for three months. I was made to have seven small meals every day. I ended up looking so gaunt I couldn’t recognise myself in the mirror. But the effort seems worth it when women come up to me to say they want a husband like me. That feels good. It means my character works within the film’s context. Now I need to regain some weight as I’ve become too skinny. But I want to keep my six packs.”
Darshan made a valiant effort to look convincing as Onler. “It was a challenge. But I was ready for it. I’ve been doing theatre for 10 years. My acting guru is Naseeruddin Shah. Everything I know about acting I’ve learnt by watching him. At his age, he is so energetic and passionate about his work. He was my inspiration for all the hard work I put in to play Onler.”
On Teachers’ Day Darshan showed Mary Kom to his guru. Naseer’s words of praise meant the world to him. “I waited for Naseer saab to see my film. I’ve trained under him for 10 years. What better Teachers’ Day gift for me than to show my labour of love to my guru?”
Darshan says he likes to spend time with creative people. “Whether it is Naseer sir or Sanjay Bhansali sir, just being with them is such a learning experience. I feel like a student whenever I’m with them.” He is deeply excited by the response to his performance. “All the hard work seems to have paid off. I remember I had to audition in three different looks representing three different stages in Onler’s character. I first had to look like the very young student besotted by Mary Kom, then the mature man who marries her. I also went through screen tests with Priyanka Chopra to see how compatible I looked with her. But finally it all seems to come together.”
The gifted young actor has also completed work on Navdeep Singh’s NH10 where he is cast in a negative role. Not willing to divulge much about his role in Anushka Sharma’s production, Darshan says, “All I can tell you is that I play a character very different from the one in Mary Kom. In fact quite the opposite. In NH10, I am aggressive, insensitive and insufferable. Not the kind of guy any girl would want to marry.”
So who’s Darshan marrying in real life? “I’m married only to my work,” he says.
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