Darsheel Safary's Career & 'Sitaare Zameen Par' Decision

Darsheel Safary, widely recognized for his acclaimed role as Ishaan Awasthi in the iconic film 'Taare Zameen Par,' has recently shared insights into his challenging Bollywood journey following his memorable debut. Despite garnering national affection as a standout child actor, his path in the Hindi film industry did not unfold as many had anticipated, leading to his noticeable absence from the film scene. Safary revealed that his initial ascent to fame was overwhelming, admitting he was entirely unprepared for it, possessing no prior knowledge of acting or the industry's intricate workings, given his family's lack of a film background. He even recounted an innocent moment of asking his parents about his pay, highlighting his detachment from the financial aspects of his work at a young age.
The years subsequent to Safary’s debut proved difficult, as he did not receive the consistent support or a steady stream of projects that might have been expected for such a celebrated child artist. However, he chooses to approach these challenges without bitterness, emphasizing the importance of filtering information and ignoring rumors. Safary candidly stated that he never expected special backing from Bollywood, acknowledging he was not closely associated with any superstars. Instead, he chose to focus on cultivating his own talent and strength, recognizing that dwelling on emotional hurts could derail his professional work.
Addressing the highly anticipated spiritual sequel, 'Sitaare Zameen Par,' Darsheel expressed a slight, initial disappointment about not being approached by Aamir Khan for the project. Nevertheless, he quickly came to terms with this decision, viewing the film as an entity much larger than his individual involvement. He emphasized that actors must transcend personal emotions, understanding that the impact of any experience is determined by how personally it is taken. Safary, deeply passionate about the film industry, has invested significantly in studying cinema and pouring his soul into his work. He firmly believes that a film is not merely about one person but represents a collective emotion and a story intended for a broader audience, offering opportunities for shared learning and fostering compassion.
Safary further elaborated on his acceptance of not being part of 'Sitaare Zameen Par,' acknowledging that while possessiveness is a natural human emotion, the ultimate goal is to deliver the best product organically. He understood that if his involvement did not align with the new direction, it was simply not meant to be. He strongly asserted that his journey with 'Taare Zameen Par' was never about personal ownership; rather, it was a collaborative effort where all characters served as conduits for the story. He trusts that Aamir Khan, as the filmmaker, made decisions prioritizing the audience’s enjoyment. Safary expressed contentment with his current stance, feeling fortunate to remain a part of the enduring legacy of 'Taare Zameen Par.'
Reflecting on the intense attention he received post-'Taare Zameen Par,' Darsheel attributed his ability to navigate the pressures to his youthful unawareness. He remarked that he was lucky not to comprehend the concept of 'limelight' at the time, viewing his work simply as something that gets highlighted. Now older, he fully grasps the significance of his early experiences. To refine his craft, he turned to theatre, underscoring the crucial role of a continuous learning attitude. He credits Aamir Khan, along with his family and friends, for consistently reminding him to remain grounded, a principle he continues to uphold throughout his evolving career.