Darsheel Safary chases the magic of Taare Zameen Par Again: I miss being everyone’s son

Best known for his breakout role in Taare Zameen Par, Darsheel Safary is now looking beyond familiar territory with an upcoming international project that explores themes of illness, identity and resilience.While Darsheel has moved on to new roles, he admits the response he received as a child actor remains unmatched. “I do miss it. If I don’t miss it, what’s the point of it? What I received with Taare Zameen Par wasn’t popularity or fame — it was love. It felt like you were a son in everybody’s family. Every mother saw you as her son, every child as their brother. Once you’ve experienced that kind of connection, your standards go higher,” he says.Darsheel adds that the memory of that reception continues to motivate him. “It keeps a fire in me alive — that I need to keep working and find my way back to that space.”He is now set to star in an international film, which he describes as an intimate and psychological story inspired by real events. The project also features Mohit Raina and Priyamani. “It’s based on a true situation. The story revolves around a man living with a condition that leaves him constantly close to death and dependent on support systems. But this is not your typical film about hardship. It’s far more psychological, and that’s what I connected with instantly,” says Darsheel., adding, “The character almost challenges the audience. There’s a strong sense of self-reliance and dignity in the way he lives. He’s standing on his own feet, even when physically he can’t. That thought is incredibly powerful.”