Adorable, yes... but not a loser

Gurnaaz Kaur

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Whoever has seen Taare Zameen Par can never forget Ishaan Awasthi, the kid who won hearts with his endearing performance as a dyslexic child. Today, after 11 years, he is as adorable and naughty. If there is any difference, it’s his self-confidence and focus towards acting. 

In Chandigarh for a play, Two Adorable Losers, Darsheel Safary says he is passionate about acting. “Till Taare Zameen Par had not happened, I was fond of dancing and wanted to pursue it as a career but after acting in the film, I realised I enjoyed it so much that I decided to continue doing it.” 

Finalising a career at the age of nine can be considered a fickle thought of childhood but, on the contrary, Darsheel has followed it with sincerity and this boy of 21 says instead of clubbing or indulging in relationships, everyone his age should work towards finding such clarity about what they want to be. 

“If you know what career is best for you, start researching and finding ways to excel in it and if you do not know, discuss with your parents and mentors to finalise on what’s best for you. I don’t think I am missing on anything much by not partying or being in a relationship. In fact, I feel it’s a waste of time. I have my three-four close friends and I like to spend time with them whenever I can. That’s the real way of chilling out while also making the most of your time.” 

Four films with varied characters, a contestant in reality dance show and now theatre, Darsheel loves the diversity of this profession. “I’ve been the precocious brother in Bumm Bumm Bole, played a superhero in Disney’s Zokkomon, worked with such talented actors in Midnight’s Children. Then, when it felt like a long break from dance, I participated in Jhalak Dikhla Ja. I am completely fascinated by all the different characters I play. And when I got a chance to do theatre, I accepted it with open arms because I’ve known that theatre completes you as an actor.” 

Working as a theatre artiste has its own highs and lows, for Darsheel it has mostly been the former. “As you know, I am not a professionally trained actor, therefore this platform helps me learn so much about the craft. It takes on a new tangent of acting. Two years back when I began, I used to be so conscious of audience, fumble on stage but now, after 46 shows of this play, I feel the same show has given me something new each time and I am quite confident today.” 

When it comes to future, this talented lad has plans of directing a short film and has already written a script. As a graduate, it’s his time to explore the many possibilities this one profession endows on a passionate pursuer.

gurnaaz@tribunemail.com