Actor Darsheel Safary, who is best known for playing a dyslexic eight-year-old in Aamir Khan's iconic 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, featured in Amazon MX Player web series Gamerlog, which released last month. In an exclusive interview with IBNS-TWF correspondent Souvik Ghosh, Darsheel shares his thoughts on Gamerlog, gaming in the present era, Aamir Khan and more...

Q. How did you grab this role?

A. Well, I auditioned for it. I secured the role after two rounds of auditions. I felt happy that they liked it.

Q. What's your view on this subject of gaming which is so relevant now?

A. Gaming is now a $2.2 billion industry in India and it's growing every single day. It's now a career option where tournaments are held and prize money worth crores are offered. So the scope is gigantic. When I used to play games as a child, it was just a time pass. I have had the entire experience of gaming including the scoldings of my parents. I just didn't know such serious moments of my life of getting scolded would come handy for me (laughs).

Darsheel Safary with his co-actors of Gamerlog. Photo: PR Team

Our show Gamerlog does not propagate any of that. We just focussed on just the entertainment factor and telling a story of a group of people who want to win a tournament. It also touches upon the ups and downs, unpredictable situations in one's life and how they solve those. Gamerlog is not a very lecture type but a fun and mischief filled show with many life lessons.

Q. How was the bonding with other actors of this show which is based on a unique subject?

A. It was absolutely bonkers. The experience was so much fun for me. We had such a good time while making this show. It's become a memorable shoot for us. We even watched the T20 World Cup final together. My experience was wonderful because we were surrounded by passionate people who love the art of making films including generational filmmaking talents. Along with them, we had recreational gamers also. The entire group of Gamerlog were provided an atmosphere where we could go out and express ourselves.

Q. As an actor, what did you keep in mind throughout the filming process?

A. I played a 17-year-old in this show and that was one thing which I deliberately kept in mind to portray the rawness of that age. I am 28 now but I had to showcase myself as an uncut and novice teenager. So it was very crucial to tap into that age.

Q. Your name is almost synonymous with Taare Zameen Par. Did you ever feel overburdened?

A. Honestly, it used to be right up until the pandemic, after which I decided to stop thinking about these things. Over the last couple of years, I worked really hard to learn the art of forgetting and being unaware of certain things in life. I have realised there are certain things which are useful to me while some are not. My focus is now  entirely on the art as an actor, how I can put my entirety in a performance and emote.

(From L to R) Producers Abhinay Deo, Neeta Shah and Darsheel Safary. Photo: PR Team

Q. In a recent interview, you said you don't approach people in the industry for work. Do you sometimes feel like a misfit?

A. I don't think misfit is the correct word. I feel talent and hardwork have been a common thing in anyone who has asked for work or received work organically or inorganically. Maybe it takes a bit long to get an opportunity without approaching someone, but I don't mind taking the longer process because it has always been my way. The word misfit would have been appropriate if I didn't have the knack for acting or any form of artistry which I actually have in entirety. I feel enlightened whenever I watch a film or listen to a song. As long as that is alive in me, I don't think I am a misfit.

Q. How do you view the OTT space as a newer generation actor?

A. I see it only as a window of opportunity. It's not anymore an exclusive career progression for actors. The doors have just opened and I think we should make the most of it. In fact, the dogma of approaching a lead character has shattered. Even secondary characters are receiving a good amount of respect.

Q. You work on all media- across TV, OTT and films. Do you plan your approach to work?

A. The plan is just to work, forget the planning bit. If I plan too much, my execution really goes down. I have promised myself to completely focus on my skill and craft and not at all waste time in things like planning and stuff. I want to be prepared for roles that are coming my way so I am happy as long as that's happening.

Aamir Khan and Darsheel Safary on the sets of Taare Zameen Par. Photo: Darsheel Safary/Instagram

Q. How does it feel to be in the legacy of Taare Zameen Par at a time its spiritual sequel (Sitaare Zameen Par) was released?

A. I watched Sitaare Zameen Par and I found it extremely sweet, wholesome and made with a lot of love. I experienced a loving atmosphere in a movie theatre after a very long time. In response to me being in the legacy of Taare Zameen Par, I have always thought the film was not just about me. It's about an idea of empowering people to be a better human being and I was just a part of it. I am thankful to Aamir-sir (Aamir Khan) for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it.

Q. Did you have a chance to talk to Aamir Khan recently?

A. Absolutely. I texted Aamir-sir and told him about Gamerlog. He was very kind to invite us to his house. We all met and had a lovely, sweet time. We chatted about the show. It was a very fun reunion for us. His curiosity is enough for us to know that we have done something worthwhile. Then I watched Sitaare Zameen Par and sent him a long paragraph over a text message expressing my happiness and congratulating him.

(Photos: Darsheel Safary/Instagram & PR Team)