Darsheel Safary talks about why people thought he quit films and reasons his decision to not reach out to Aamir Khan for help and guidance.

After making a splashing entry with Taare Zameen Par, child actor Darsheel Safary is a grown-up now. The actor recently played the lead role in Hukus Bukus, where he played an ardent Sachin Tendulkar fan. Based on the backdrop of Kashmir, it speaks about the difference in beliefs between generations and how they come together during a moment of crisis. As Darsheel is treading a new career path as a leading man, he spoke about the challenges that come along.

The 26-year-old shared that while he did not have an issue with filmmakers wondering where to ‘fit’ him, there was a misunderstanding about his presence in the industry. “As I decided to first complete my studies and then move to theatre, many thought that I had left acting. They assumed that I had quit the film industry. Not many knew that I was focussing on my skills and working hard on myself.

Honestly, I never had it easy nor did I have anything on a plate. I decided that I would never take a shortcut. After years in theatre, it was during the pandemic that I decided I wanted to get back on screen, and that’s when I started auditioning. That too hasn’t been easy as out of 100 auditions, I would pass just a couple of them. But trust me, I gave it my all in all the tests,” he told indianexpress.com.

Given that he had already proved his worth as an actor at a very young age, we wondered if it becomes a matter of ego when he has to give auditions. Dismissing the same, Darsheel said that he feels audition has nothing to do with experience. “Even established actors today don’t bat an eyelid before giving an audition. It’s all about finding the right match between actors and characters. It’s not my intent to prove myself or make a point to anyone, it’s all about aiming to do good work. After educating myself in the field of acting, I have shaped my conscience in a particular way, that I am not ashamed to try and work harder each time.”

While Darsheel Safary has enough competition with new actors entering the industry every year, and star kids readying up for debuts, the actor answered if the competition scares him, “It did initially, I won’t lie, I would also get nervous. But I have realised that there are certain requirements that the film industry has. There are voids that one needs to fill in. Once you find that place where you belong, it becomes easier. And trust me, if you have talent and drive, you will find your place in this big world. I believe in this and it somewhat does lessen your worry around competition.”

The actor has often spoken about how people around him tell him to reach out to Aamir Khan for guidance and help. The two had shared screen in Taare Zameen Par, but Darsheel has chosen to find his own path. When asked if it’s his family or the industry that suggests that he should reach out to the superstar, the actor said, “It’s everybody.”

He added that these suggestions come from a place of love and care as they don’t want to see him to struggle. “They are all so concerned about me that sometimes I wonder if I made a wrong choice to not reach out to him. But I am too shy and embarrassed to seek his attention. Even when the trailer came, people asked if I sent him. But I believe if I did good work, it would reach him organically. I feel support and attention would also have longevity if it comes through my good work.”

Darsheel added that he wants to set that precedent, especially for the younger generation in every sphere that let your work define you, rather than being dependent on others.

On a final note we questioned him about Aamir Khan announcing ‘Sitaare Zameen Par‘. The actor laughed that he gets hundreds of calls every day after that with people asking if he’s part of the project. “I just tell them if it’s fate, we would definitely work in the future. I don’t know on which film, but we would,” he added with a smile.