The Kashmir Files: Darshan Kumaar AKA Krishna Pandit Reveals, ‘I Had Sleepless Nights And Slipped Into Depression During The Shoot-EXCLUSIVE
Darshan Kumaar, who played Krishna Pandit in The Kashmir Files gets candid about his performance being applauded by everyone
Actor Darshan Kumaar has been garnering much love and praise for his outstanding performance in Vivek Agnihotri’s latest release The Kashmir Files. The actor played the role of Krishna Pandit in the film and his terrific stint has inspired many budding actors and youth. As Krishna, he was seen confused between the right-wing and the left-wing, and many people found it relatable. In an exclusive chat with SpotboyE.com, Darshan opened up about the success of the film, his performance being appreciated, and how the film changed him from within. The actor also spoke at length about how mentally and emotionally challenging it was for him to get into the skin of his character.
Read excerpts from the interview:
Darshan, you did a fabulous job in the film. How The Kashmir Files has changed you from within?
I can't thank you enough for all the love that I have received and I count my blessings every day. Yes, this film has changed me from within. This movie showed us the brutal truth and actual pain that inhumanity causes ... its heart-wrenching. It has not only enlightened me but the entire public and gives us a message to live in harmony and make this world a better place to live in.
The movie has crossed Rs. 200 crores at the domestic box office and is doing phenomenally well overseas too. Does it feel surreal?
Oh yes, it's Surreal!! Sometimes I need to pinch myself to realize it isn't all a dream :) It's every actor's dream that his movie receives a good response, the role he plays connects to his audience and his film at least enters the 100cr club. But my happiness doubles as God has been super kind and has made me not 100 but 200 cr club members as a lead. ALSO READ: Darshan Kumaar On His Journey In Showbiz: ‘It’s Not Easy For An Outsider To Make It Even After Getting Launched Opposite Priyanka Chopra Jonas’- EXCLUSIVE
What was the most challenging aspect for you to play Krishna Pandit? You said you almost slipped into depression, how did you recover from that?
'The Kashmir files' was physically, mentally, and emotionally very challenging for me. I had to get into the skin of the character I had to use my imagination and live all d incidences which took place with Krishna Pandit and his family …I had to feel the pain to emote in front of the camera because of which had sleepless nights many times. It took me a while to come out of it. Practicing meditation helped me a lot so yes it was one of the most difficult journeys for me.
Bollywood is silent on the film and Kangana Ranaut had slammed the industry for the same. Why do you think A-lister actors are not talking about the film openly?
I believe whoever has watched the movie has liked the movie and appreciated the movie in their own ways. We have received very positive responses from many A-lister actors as well ... who have supported this film as the Kashmir Files wave has managed to bring the audiences into theatres which is a very positive sign for our industry as a whole and I'm extremely happy for that.
Darshan, a certain section of people are speaking against the film, politics is going on and Vivek Agnihotri is receiving death threats. So, what do you have to say about all of this?
I'm an actor n I don’t understand politics but I connect with emotions and that's what attracted me to do this film as well. I would like to request and appeal to this section of people to please watch the movie before coming to any conclusions... It's only then one can realize that this movie is not against any caste or community but against the brutal acts of terrorism and inhumanity.
While you were playing your character in the movie, Darshan how did you manage to switch on and off after shooting?
Krishna Pandit has seen a lot in his life. He is a guy filled with complex thoughts and is seeking truth. So to play this role was physically mentally and emotionally very challenging for me. After shooting a scene it was difficult to switch off ...even when I used to go back to my Hotel room, I had to watch many videos and relive the character over and over again ... So there was no time to switch off actually.
On a concluding note, anything you want to tell about Kashmir Files, that you think people should know about it?
Right from my first day when I read the script. I was excited and nervous about one scene in the movie. It was my 13-page monologue... because I had to perform the scene in a way that I could convey the reality of Kashmir where everyone could connect with it. As it was an extremely lengthy scene my director told me that he would shoot the scene in patches in a period of two days so I need not worry. However, I was worried about breaking the flow. The monologue is beautifully written and has many historical references. I wanted to speak from my heart so that it reaches the heart of the audience. I studied these historical references with whatever material was available in with public domain because I wanted to convince myself before convincing my audience. And I'm happy that I could deliver this monologue in one take.
Image source: PR
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