Special Feature: In conversation with newcomer Shiv Darshan

BollyBrit® got the chance to catch up with new hunk on the block, Shiv Darshan, producer Suneel Darshan's son who debuts opposite Femina Miss India Earth Hasleen Kaur in Shree Krishna International's romantically charged, action packed love story Karle Pyaar Karle, which hits theatres 17 January. Excerpts:

You're from a filmi background, your father Suneel Darshan has made several films with superstar Akshay Kumar. So would you say its relatively easier to make your debut if you have that background?

Being from the fraternity has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that it's relatively easy to get a break if you have family connections. Also I feel, because you've been exposed to cinema from a really early age you get that education on films and acting very early on as a child. So in that sense there is a little less to learn. The major disadvantage is that people in the industry and strugglers feel that I have it easy and that because we're born into the background we're born with a silver spoon and somewhere down the line they sort of victimise you. Having said that its all boils down to your ability and talent and that's what will take you places in this profession and not the fact that you have ties in the industry.

How confident are in your skills as an actor? How would you rate yourself on a scale of 1 - 10? 

I'm a decent enough actor I feel. With regards to rating myself I'm not very good at rating myself, but I definitely am decent and have potential.

Most newcomers make their debut with a love story. How different is Karle Pyaar Karle from routine love stories?

If I was to define the film I would say it's an adrenaline rushing, action packed romantic movie, a wholesome entertainer almost, a complete masala flick but having said that it has a total of six songs which these days is rare. So we've focused on the music angle of the film too added six songs, and gone back to our roots, we even have supporting actors who have substantial roles and have included other family members in the plot too. It doesn't just revolve around the central protagonists, which seems to be the trend in most Bollywood films these days. The whole film, not just the actors, but background technicians and musicians consists of newcomers, which brings an element of freshness to Karle Pyaar Karle. The film's USP is its freshness.

Which superstar do you aspire to model your career after and why?

I don't want to model myself on anyone. I just want to be unique and known as Shiv Darshan but there are many stars I look up to, namely Dev Anand and Amitabh Bachchan of course. Both are awesome actors, they both have tonnes of charisma and are something of an inspiration.

Your character in the film is called Kabeer. So how similar are you to your character in the film?

Kabeer is a rebel. A daredevil with a fetish for taking up challenges and doing stunts and really risky things. So how similar am I to him? Simple. Not similar at all. We are poles apart! 

You're working with your dad in a film. So in the sets is he your dad or strictly the producer of the film?

My dad was always on set to ensure everything was running smoothly. He gave myself and director creative freedom and didn't really interfere unless we were doing something radically wrong. So he was more of a guardian and we took his comments and suggestions on board and made the necessary changes if we agreed with his viewpoints.

You're making your debut opposite a Femina Miss India Earth Hasleen Kaur. What are your thoughts on her? How would you define your chemistry in the film?

We auditioned many girls for the film but we just weren't happy until we saw Hasleen's photos online and called her over for an audition, she got the part and we were on set shooting for the film within five days. I'll be honest I had my reservations initially as I didn't really know who she was and was worried whether she would be able to pull it off. We took our first shot and it was so effortless, and together I felt that we weren't acting. Everything was really flowing in that first shot we took together and that's when I was convinced that she was right for the part. I've learnt a lot from Hasleen in the sense that we come from two different schools of acting. She is a little more spontaneous and intuitional, and I on the other hand, am more theatre based and rehearsed and I stick to whatever it is I have rehearsed. But it's because of Hasleen, that I have now changed my style and become a little intuitional in my acting so I owe her that much.

Can you tell us a bit more about your upcoming films? Or are you just focusing on Karle Pyaar Karle for now?

Right now I'm just really busy with the promotion of this film and haven't had much of a chance to think about anything else. When it releases I'll have a chance to think about what I want to do next.

It's quite a crowded market. All the newer lot are confident and have great physiques. Be it Varun, Ranveer, Siddharth, Aditya Roy Kapur et al. How different are you from them?

I guess my fans are in a better position to answer that, so we'll know when they see the film and I receive all their feedback!

If a film was made on your life, who would you like to see you play you, and why?

Definitely Amitabh Bachchan because he's capable of pulling off any kind of role.

If you could be a superhero for one day what would be your superpower?

Superman obviously because he can fly around everywhere!

If you had six months to live, what would you do with that time?

Just watch movies, more movies and even more movies! All the ones I haven't seen, all the classics that I've missed. I go by the Raj Kapoor motto/song 'Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan Iska Siva Jaana Kahaan...'

If you were a type of food what would you like to be?

Thai food! Because it's spicy.

What's the best compliment you've received for your work so far?

A top notch director who saw the rushes of the film, said that I remind him of Sanjay Dutt, which was a huge compliment.

Any messages for your fans?

Our film releases on 17 January. So please please show some love and support as a lot of hard work has gone into the film.

Karle Pyaar Karle, a Shree Krishna International presentation, hits theatres 17 January and along with Hasleen Kaur and Shiv Darshan, also stars Aham Sharma and has music by Rayyan Ameen, Rashid Khan, Prashant Singh, Mumzy Stranger and Meet Bros Anjjan.

Theatrical Trailer: Karle Pyaar Karle