‘Had to hide in principal’s cabin’: Taare Zameen Par’s Ishaan Awasthi recalls fame amid buzz over Sitare Zameen Par

Darsheel Safary, best known for playing the lovable Ishaan Awasthi in Taare Zameen Par, is all set to return to the screen with his latest project, Gamerlog. In an interview with Moneycontrol, Darsheel shared how life changed after his early success and what drew him to this new venture.

Fame After Taare Zameen Par Was Overwhelming

Darsheel became an overnight star after the release of Taare Zameen Par, but he admitted he was unprepared for the sudden attention. “I couldn’t even return to class after break—the entire school gathered around me,” he told Moneycontrol. The film was released on Friday and on his first Monday back at school, he had to hide in the principal's office due to the crowd of excited students.

Learning to Adjust to the Spotlight

Initially, Darsheel found it hard to accept the changes fame brought. “I was rebellious. I hated wearing a cap or goggles to hide,” he said to MoneyControl. But over time, he understood the importance of setting personal boundaries in public spaces. Slowly, he began embracing the experience, especially the unexpected conversations with strangers that helped him grow.

Meaningful Interactions That Inspired Him

As he matured, Darsheel found joy in meeting fans and hearing their personal stories. “These conversations became emotional and helped me as an actor,” he said to MoneyControl. Even casual chats at airports left a lasting impression. “I realised we’re all one. Everyone has a story to tell, and that’s beautiful.”

Why He Took a Long Break from Acting

Darsheel revealed that despite many offers, he took a step back from films due to self-doubt. “I hadn’t done any formal acting training. I wanted to wait for the right role and right story,” he said. Even though he gained experience in theatre and auditions, he was searching for something special.

What Made Gamerlog the Right Comeback

Darsheel said Gamerlog stood out because of the freshness of the concept and team. “Everyone involved is starting out with a new energy, just like I did years ago. That excitement and love behind the project made me say yes,” he said, crediting the entire team, including producers Abhinay Deo, Neeta Shah, and his co-star Anjali Sivaraman.

A New Chapter With New Confidence

Now more confident and mature, Darsheel is excited about this new phase of his career. He hopes that Gamerlog will not only entertain but also reflect the passion behind its making.