Darsheel Safary | He was all of 10 when people fell in love with his character Ishaan Awasthi. Today, at 22 the boy wonder is set to be part of his third stage show Kaise Karenge?  Safary tells Shalini Saksena that it is family and friends who keep him grounded

• Films, TV and now theatre. Does this mean you are diversifying?

Definitely. This is my third play and I will be performing for the second time with Kaise Karenge.

• How does it feel to be part of live performances?

It is a feeling that I can’t express. To see the live audience connect with you and react, there is light hearted humour in this play, when you see the audience enjoying themselves, they are taking something away from what you are giving to them the vibe that you get is amazing. Second, I get to learn from theatre. The real method acting and to grasp your character is found in theatre. It sharpens your skills. It is a two way thing — I am learning and enjoying.

• What is your role?

The play is about two brothers. The younger is one —me — is a genius and on his way to MIT. The elder brother is anything but a genius. Due to certain tragedy that strikes them, the elder brother starts showing signs of multiple personality disorder. This causes a ripple in their lives. How best they deal with the situation is what Kaise Karenge? about. Life threw lemons at them, they decided to make lemonade. This is done so in a light heart manner.

• Has it been a conscious decision to stay away from films?

In some way yes. I saw a lot of growth in theatre for me. I have seen a lot changes in me since the time I have started doing theatre. What I was doing before theatre and what I am doing now, is way different. Theatre changes and influences your lifestyle I took a break from films. Now, I can approach films because I can see them in a different manner.

• Are you tired of being asked questions about Taare Zameen Par?

Not at all. The film can be 100 years old I will always be happy to answer any question related to it. I am Pician and cling to memories. We started shouting in 2006. I still remember the place where we shot. I still remember the school. I remember the place where I would sit quietly. I remember the crew. I was attached to the film. I will never grow tired.

• How do you shoulder the fame that came after the movie?

I really don’t know and understand the concept of handling fame. My family and friends never changed. This influenced me the way I am today. I enjoy that people like what I am doing today. This makes me happy. Handling fame was never tough. Family and friends have kept me grounded.

• Do you hate anything about being famous?

Not hate, it does have its advantages but I am an introvert. I love to keep things to myself. I don’t share things but people want to know things because you are famous. This is something that I have to work on. I am too darsheel for me to share. My friends and family wants me to share more.

• Is there a role that you are looking for?

If I do that then I will have to write the character myself. I am ready to take on what leaves an impact. As an actor you want to look at things like how long the role is, what your are showing, etc. But I want to take on a role on a story basis. If I can do that people will remember it for longer. I want people to say that the movie was amazing and Darsheel was good, not the movie was not bad but Darsheel is good. A role that stands out.

• If acting had not happened what would have been your career path?

I have never thought about this. Just the other day I got a message — the one decision that changed your life and what would you do without it. That was deep. I knew that I would be part of something creative. To narrate a story. I have written a short film and shot it as well last year.

• Do you still dance?

I had been dancing since four. I used to take Shamak Davar classes. I got discovered because of it.

• Is there a medium that makes you comfortable?

Without giving a cliched answer what makes me comfortable is acting.