‘Aamir Uncle and I always wish each other’: Darsheel Safary

From an eight-year-old who played a dyslexic boy in 'Taare Zameen Par' to a 16-year-old teenager who smartly handles goof ups in front of hundreds of people, Darsheel Safary, today is an old hand in the industry.

As the host for the inaugural ceremony of the 18th International Children’s Film Festival India, Darsheel had a tough time as the crowds kept banging on his greenroom door.

The child star talks to DC about life after 'Taare Zameen Par'.

“Be it direction or editing or acting, all of it helps me learn more about films,” he says.

Talking about the changes in him since his debut with Aamir Khan, he says, “I’m less mischievous and more serious about things now.” Is he still in touch with the star? “Yes, Aamir Uncle and I always wish each other on our birthdays. Before I take up a project, my parents always consult him. Even before my Boards, he called me up to ensure that I was giving my best.”

With Aamir’s 'Dhoom 3' lined up for release, Darsheel says, “Aamir Uncle has never been seen as a villain before and I’m sure he will be great like always.”

Being something of a Richie Rich among his friends, he says, “My friends keep asking me for treats and say that I am a star and I should take them out. But the truth is I don’t get the time always. Just recently, I took my friends out to Essel World.”

He manages his studies and showbiz by “carrying books to the sets”. “Some may think I am a nerd. But I just like to stay up-to-date with my studies.”

Dressed in a Nehru coat gifted by his father, Darsheel received praises from all quarters for his anchoring stint at the Children’s Film Festival. “When my parents got the offer they didn’t even ask me because they knew I wouldn’t say no to this. I just had one hour to practice before I went on stage. I love anchoring and it sort of comes spontaneously for me.” He adds that he has recently tried his hand in direction for a short film at school.