The Kashmir Files' Darshan Kumar says he wanted the truth to come out | Exclusive Interview
India Today
In an exclusive chat with Aajtak.in, The Kashmir Files actor Darshan Kumar said that he wanted the truth to come out to the people. Darshan plays the role of Krishna Pandit in the film.
The Kashmir Files has taken the box office by storm as several people are flocking to the theatres to watch it. The Vivek Agnihotri directorial shows the raw and unfiltered depiction of the genocide of the Kashmiri Pandit community that took place in 1990. Darshan Kumar, who plays the role of Krishna Pandit in the film, has inspired many youths with his performance. As Krishna, he’s confused between the right wing and the left wing that many found relatable. In an exclusive chat with Aajtak.in, Darshan Kumar talked about his role, the film’s response and his experience shooting for it, among other things.
Darshan Kumar is very happy with the response The Kashmir Files is getting. He said, “My character is getting amazing response. People have liked my work. Many from the industry have called and messaged me. Somebody said they couldn’t believe that I was the one who played Krishna Pandit. When so many veteran directors from the industry call you and appreciate your character, it’s a big achievement.”
Talking about how he got the film and how he prepared for his role, Darshan said, “The casting director, Tarun Bajaj called me and said that he wants me to take the lead in The Kashmir Files. When I went to meet Vivek Agnihotri, Pallavi Joshi ma’am was also there. He (Vivek) told me that he wanted to show me something before the narration of the film. They took me to the theatre room of the office and showed me a 20-minute video clip. It was about the pain of 700 Kashmiri Pandits. I was disturbed after watching that video. I wanted this truth to come out in front of people. I couldn’t say anything and came home with the script.”
Asked if he was aware of the incident with Kashmir Pandits before shooting The Kashmir Files, Darshan said, “After reading the script, I realised that so much has happened with Kashmiri Pandits. I didn’t know anything and I was very embarrassed about it. I felt very ashamed that so much has happened to our countrymen and we didn’t raise our voices. That's why I felt that this film should be done. It’s not about any religion or party, it’s a brutal, honest truth. Nothing has been concealed or exaggerated in this.”
Darshan Kumar said that shooting the film was very challenging for him. “When the film ended, it took me two weeks to come out of my character. It was a very depressing process. I got so immersed in my character that I couldn’t sleep due to restlessness. This character squeezed me emotionally. I have a speech at the end of the film for which I was excited and nervous. I wanted this scene to touch the hearts of the people. I read up on the history of Kashmir and understood each and every thing.”
The Kashmir Files released on March 11. It also stars Anupam Kher and Mithun Chakraborty.
