Darshan (Kannada actor)

Darshan
Darshan in 2024
Born
Hemanth Kumar[1]

(1977-02-16) 16 February 1977 (age 47)
Ponnampet, Kodagu district, Karnataka, India
Other namesDarshan Thoogudeepa
Occupations
  • Actor
  • producer
  • distributor
Years active1997–present
WorksFull list
Spouse
Vijayalakshmi
​
(m. 2003)​
Children1
FatherThoogudeepa Srinivas
FamilyDinakar Thoogudeepa (brother)
Signature

Hemanth Kumar (born 16 February 1977), better known by his stage name Darshan Thoogudeepa or simply Darshan, is an Indian actor, film producer and distributor who works predominantly in Kannada films.[2] In 2017, he was the highest paid actor in Kannada cinema.[3] Darshan established the production house Thoogudeepa Productions in 2006. Its first production was Jothe Jotheyali, with Darshan in a special appearance.[4] His performances in Anatharu (2007) and Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012) won him praise from critics; his performance in the latter as the 19th-century warrior Sangolli Rayanna won him the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor.

He began his acting career in soap operas and small films in the mid-1990s. His first big-screen lead role was in the 2002 film Majestic. Darshan starred in commercially successful films such as Kariya (2003), Kalasipalya (2004), Gaja (2008), Navagraha (2008), Saarathi (2011), Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012), Bulbul (2013), Yajamana (2019), Roberrt (2021) and Kaatera (2023).[5][6][7][8] Darshan is often dubbed by fans as D Boss.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference RealName was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Thoogudeepa productions now diversifies". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Darshan double bonanza in 'Kurukshetra': Sources say he'll play Karna and Duryodhana". thenewsminute.com. 7 June 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  4. ^ Aiyappa, Manu (16 September 2011). "Actor Darshan: From Rs 200 per day to Rs 1.25 crore per film". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
  5. ^ "Challenging limits". Deccan Herald. 27 September 2014. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  6. ^ "Murder case probe: Darshan, a Challenging Star or Controversial Star?". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Darshan — an enigmatic star who lost his sheen". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Darshan, the enfant terrible of Kannada cinema, is accused of murdering a fan. Controversy explained". Indian Express. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024.