On the occasion of Guru Purnima, actor Darshan Kumaar reflects on the invaluable lessons and life-changing guidance he received from mentors like Naseeruddin Shah, Neena Gupta, Rajendra Gupta, and NK Sharma
Darshan Kumaar
As the industry celebrates Guru Purnima, a day of paying tribute to teachers and mentors, actor Darshan Kumaar takes a moment to reflect on the stalwarts who shaped his journey as an artist. From theatre classrooms to film sets, Darshan’s path has been carved by the wisdom and guidance of legends like Naseeruddin Shah, Neena Gupta, Rajendra Gupta, and NK Sharma.
“Guru Govind dou khade, kaake laagoon paay; Balihaari Guru aapne, Govind diyo batay,” Darshan quotes with reverence. “This couplet always echoes in my heart.”
For the actor, the influence of his mentors runs far deeper than just technical training—they have instilled in him the very values that guide his life and career: discipline, honesty, and a sincere approach to storytelling.
Darshan on learnings from his mentors
Each mentor brought something unique into Darshan’s life. NK Sharma, a revered theatre figure, helped him understand how to channel energy and presence into a performance without forcing it. “His training made me realise the power of presence,” Darshan recalls.
Neena Gupta and Rajendra Gupta were instrumental in instilling the values of consistency and deep character work. “From them, I learned that there are no shortcuts, just honest work and complete dedication to the role,” he says.
But it was Naseeruddin Shah’s philosophy that fundamentally reshaped Darshan’s understanding of acting. “Naseer sir changed everything,” he says. “He would always say, ‘Don’t act—become the character.’ That line continues to guide me even today.”
Naseeruddin Shah's life changing advice
Among the many lessons he received, one stood out. It came early in his career from Naseeruddin Shah, “In acting, there’s no such thing as loud or underplay—what matters is being true to the lines and the character.” For Darshan, this was a turning point. It taught him to ground every performance in emotional truth and authenticity, whether on stage or in front of the camera.
Darshan remembers feeling the weight of his mentors’ teachings most vividly during the making of Mary Kom, his first full-length feature film and a project that earned him much love and appreciation. He recalls sharing his prep process with Naseeruddin Shah. “He told me, ‘You’re on the right track. Keep working hard and follow the director’s vision—you will shine.’ That gave me so much confidence.” The rest, as they say, is history.
A bond that evolves
While the teacher-student dynamic may evolve over time, Darshan still cherishes the moments when his gurus reach out. “There’s no bigger reward than appreciation from your mentor,” he shares. One such moment was when Neena Gupta messaged him after watching The Kashmir Files. “I was moved to tears,” he confesses. “It wasn’t just feedback—it was a priceless affirmation.”
Words for the next generation
Now that Darshan is a name many young actors look up to, he’s eager to pass on the wisdom that once shaped him: “Karam kiye ja, phal ki ichcha mat kar”—a mantra that reminds him to focus on the work, not the result.
“To aspiring actors: dedicate yourself to the craft. Show up every day. Be honest with your art. When your sincerity shines through, the rewards will follow.”
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s the timeless guidance of mentors—and the deep gratitude of students like Darshan Kumaar—that keep the spirit of learning alive.
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