Kushi aguthe (I feel happy).” This was the response of Challenging star Darshan Thoogudeep, when asked about his reaction to his film, Kranti Veera Sangolli Rayanna (KVSR) completing 100 days in 43 theatres.
KVSR has become a brand in itself, and the film is to be dubbed in 16 languages. “Portraying history can be successful no matter how many times it is repeated, but only if one makes it historically,” he said.
For Darshan, the most interesting part of KVSR was the touring experience. Darshan and his team travelled extensively across the state to have a word with his audience. “It is rare to get such an opportunity. Today anybody can easily approach me, especially in cities like Bangalore, Mysore and surrounding places. Fans are sure that I am available for them, morning and after evening. But during this trip, we went to interior parts of Karnataka where I met people who find it difficult to venture out and these were the people who made an effort to come out and watch our film. This tour was purely a thanking note to all people of the state who made it a success,” said Darshan, who developed positive vibes during this trip. “It only showed the people’s response when we give a good Kannada film. My name changes after each film. I was called as Majestic, Dasa, Kariya...they forgot my real name and they only saw me as a character. After KVSR, today people call me Rayanna. That brings happiness,” he said.
Even though, he is a celebrity with several hits, he remains humble. “I am same old Darshan from the day I was born on February 16 till today. There is nothing I wanted to change for myself for any movie,” he said.
But what is his reaction when people today state that Sangolli Rayyanna had a rebirth through Darshan again. “I was lucky to be part of the project. I just put my effort. Others say that I almost sink into the character but I have a very bad habit as an actor. I switch on when they say ‘start camera’ and switch off myself when they say ‘cut’. I don’t carry even a bit of my role back home. I was never like that and never will be,” he said.
KVSR is a hit but Darshan is open to do any kind of film and does not want to be stereotyped. “I don't have a dream role to play. I don’t go behind anything but if it comes, I never leave it,” he stated. With the fans gearing up to to celebrate the actor’s birthday on February 16, Darshan only has gratitude to all of them. “I don’t know whether they cut cake for their birthdays but they make sure that they bring a cake for me. So I make them happy by eating a piece from each cake brought. I will also be starting my next film, Brindavana on this day ,” he said.
