Thoogudeepa Srinivas, a formidable villain on the silver screen from the 1960s through the 1980s, was a name that struck fear and admiration in the hearts of many. Yet, not many anticipated the cinematic aspirations of his son, Hemanth Kumar, who eventually embraced the screen name “Darshan.” With the colossal success of his debut film, “Majestic” in 2001, Darshan turned into an overnight sensation. Shedding the shadow of his illustrious father, Darshan crafted a unique identity, pivoting towards roles that resonated deeply with the lower middle-class demographic.
Darshan’s journey in the cinematic world commenced as that of a humble artist, striving relentlessly to etch his name in the annals of Kannada cinema. His personality, initially inspirational and grounded, stood in stark contrast to the controversial figure he is viewed as today. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Darshan has faced numerous controversies, the most recent and shocking being his arrest linked to the murder of an ardent fan from the Chitradurga district.
“Right after the success of ‘Majestic,’ Darshan was called for an event,” recalls S. Shyam Prasad, a noted film critic. “He spoke about encouraging new talent and sought financial support for newcomers in the industry. He was modest and didn’t perceive himself as a superstar back then.”
A senior Kannada film writer, choosing to remain anonymous, remarked, “Darshan had all it took to become a phenomenal superstar.” Standing tall at 6.3 feet with a broad and imposing frame, Darshan commanded a powerful screen presence. Despite securing his place in the industry, Darshan soon found himself embroiled in controversies that tarnished his public image.
In 2011, Darshan’s off-screen persona faced a major blow when he was arrested for assaulting his wife, Vijayalakshmi. “The incident was a significant turning point in Darshan’s career,” notes the senior Kannada writer. “The film ‘Sarathi,’ released amid the backdrop of the domestic abuse scandal, turned into a colossal blockbuster, proving that Darshan’s fans wouldn’t abandon him regardless of his off-screen actions.”
Despite receiving unparalleled fan support, Darshan’s relationship with the media soured following his arrest’s extensive coverage.
. In a move that highlighted his growing disdain for the media, television channels unofficially banned him. However, the superstar, buoyed by his steadfast fanbase, remained unfazed. Insiders claim that this period marked the emergence of Darshan’s “I-don’t-care” attitude.
Renowned for his roles as an action hero or a virtuous police officer, Darshan found himself trapped within a specific image. Yet, this typecasting didn’t perturb him much as his loyal fans relished these portrayals. “Star-driven films usually guarantee a certain level of success, but Darshan’s movies manage to yield minimum profit even when they aren’t top-notch,” states a veteran producer.
Darshan’s relationship with his colleagues is far from subtle, oscillating between extreme loyalty and pronounced disdain. While there are numerous accounts of his altruistic endeavors, his notorious rift with fellow actor Sudeep has remained unchallenged over the years. Similarly, his interactions with the legendary Dr. Rajkumar’s family have witnessed several ups and downs.
“He isn’t universally loved within the film industry,” mentions S. Shiva Kumar, a prominent film columnist. “People tend to either loathe him or adore him ardently. Darshan has essentially constructed an exclusive realm where only his chosen ones are welcome. He is often encircled by yes-men who may not always provide the best counsel.”
Darshan is often seen as an enigmatic figure by some and a misguided star by others. Despite managing to extricate himself from numerous legal predicaments, the latest incident involving a fan’s murder presents the toughest challenge for his devoted followers. Their unwavering admiration faces a stern test as they grapple with the reality of an actor, who, at critical moments, seemingly sabotaged his own career.
Now, the question lingers: Can Darshan reclaim the sheen of his once-brilliant star? Or has he irreversibly veered off the path to redemption? As the saga unfolds, the Kannada film industry and his fervent supporters await with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to this tumultuous chapter.
