KKN Gurugram Desk | Remembered for his unforgettable role as Ishaan Awasthi in the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, actor Daraamirsheel Safary is once again in the spotlight. With Aamir Khan’s latest film Sitare Zameen Par gaining positive reviews, many fans are revisiting the emotional legacy of the original movie. Amidst this, Darsheel has made headlines with a heartfelt confession: he feels shy asking Aamir Khan for work, even though people around him often expect him to.
In a recent interview, the actor spoke candidly about his career, his struggles post-pandemic, and why he chooses to walk his path without leveraging big names — not even Aamir Khan.
Darsheel Safary, who won hearts nationwide as a dyslexic child in Taare Zameen Par, has been somewhat under the radar since his breakout performance. While the film became a cultural phenomenon and was India’s official entry to the Oscars that year, Darsheel chose a low-profile, quality-over-quantity approach to his career.
In the new sports-comedy film Sitare Zameen Par — which features Aamir Khan as a basketball coach mentoring a neurodivergent athlete — the parallels to the original film are being widely discussed. Although Darsheel is not a part of this sequel/spiritual successor, fans have expressed disappointment over his absence.
But the actor has his reasons.
Speaking to Mid-Day in an interview, Darsheel explained why he has never approached Aamir Khan for a role.
“People get upset with me for not asking Aamir sir for work, but I feel awkward. He is not my brother that I can casually call and say, ‘Please give me a script.’ I just send him best wishes on his birthday,” he said.
This honest statement sheds light on the pressure young actors face when they’ve once shared screen space with industry giants. For Darsheel, even though he holds immense respect for Aamir Khan, he chooses not to exploit that connection for personal gain.
Darsheel also spoke about his professional journey after the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that all the projects he has taken on were earned purely on merit.
“After the pandemic, every role I got was through auditions and screen tests. I didn’t rely on contacts. It was only through these auditions that producers and directors decided if I was fit for the role or not,” he said.
This statement highlights Darsheel’s commitment to craft and authenticity, avoiding the shortcut culture of Bollywood networking and focusing on skill and fit instead.
With the recent release of Sitare Zameen Par, social media was flooded with nostalgia about Darsheel’s role in the original. Many fans took to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit to ask:
“Why isn’t Darsheel in this sequel?”
The film stars Aamir Khan and Genelia D’Souza in lead roles, and tells the story of a neurodivergent basketball player and his coach. The emotional tone, the theme of learning differences, and the uplifting sports arc are clear nods to Taare Zameen Par.
While the movie is receiving positive reviews for its humor and heart, audiences are still expressing sadness that Darsheel was not cast in any role.
Although not constantly in the limelight, Darsheel has continued to pursue acting in various forms:
He has worked in theatre productions, showcasing his range beyond cinema.
Participated in independent short films and OTT content.
Rumors suggest he is currently working on a web series, though nothing has been officially announced yet.
His selective career choices reflect his focus on quality roles and personal growth, even if it means moving at a slower pace than others in his generation.
Following his interview, social media erupted in appreciation. Many users applauded Darsheel’s humility and professional ethics:
“Darsheel Safary not using his connection with Aamir Khan for work says a lot about his integrity. Respect!” — @filmybuff_23 on Twitter
“He deserves a comeback. The industry needs more actors like him.” — Comment on YouTube interview post
The discussion also sparked debate around nepotism vs. meritocracy in Bollywood, with Darsheel’s stance being celebrated as a refreshing exception in a star-driven system.
Meanwhile, Sitare Zameen Par continues to perform decently at the box office. Critics have appreciated:
Aamir Khan’s performance as a compassionate coach
Genelia D’Souza’s return to cinema
The positive message about inclusion, sports, and neurodiversity
The film blends humor, sports, and sensitivity, creating a family-friendly movie with a strong emotional core — just like its predecessor.
However, the absence of Darsheel leaves a noticeable emotional gap for longtime fans of Taare Zameen Par.
In an industry where connections often dictate careers, Darsheel Safary stands apart. His refusal to use his past fame or big contacts — especially Aamir Khan — is a testament to his discipline, self-respect, and artistic integrity.
While audiences may wish to see him again on the silver screen, perhaps in a role just as iconic as Ishaan, Darsheel’s approach reminds us that true talent speaks quietly but powerfully.
We at KKN Live hope to see him back where he belongs — on screen, moving hearts again.
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