The little superhero Darsheel Safary

How was your experience of playing a superhero?
Though it was a little difficult,it was also very exciting. There were so many new things involved in the film like the special effects,croma,stunts,etc. It was like a learning experience for me. Also,I enjoyed wearing the Zokkomon costume as I would feel energetic whenever I wore it. In fact,I would keep it on even after pack-up.

What motivated you to do the stunts? Weren’t you scared?
I was not scared as such,but it was William Ong,my instructor,who motivated me. He asked me to give my 100 per cent. He told me to be focussed,confident and firm and thus pushed me to do a better job. I enjoyed doing somersaults on wire. Now I am missing those sessions.

Do you recall any funny incident during the shoot?
One day we had a night shift during monsoon. But because of the lightening,we had been given a two-hour break. I was on my laptop watching Michael Jackson’s video,Thriller. Suddenly I got into the groove and started doing MJ’s steps. Soon everybody joined in. Even Anupam (Kher) uncle danced to the loud music. That was fun.

Which are your favourite action adventure films?
I have seen Avatar thrice in the theatre. I also like Toy Story 3. I love action adventure and superheroes. My favourite is Spider- Man,but since my stint as Zokkomon,it has become my favourite.

Do you have any favourite actor,actress or a child actor?
My favourite actor is Hrithik Roshan as I like his physique,dancing and acting skills. Of the heroines,Kareena Kapoor was my favourite but after working with Manjari Fadnis in Zokkomon,she has become my favourite actress. And my favourite child actor is Jaden Smith as I liked him in Karate Kid.

You have worked with Aamir Khan in Taare Zameen Par,Priyadarshan in Bumm Bumm Bhole and now with Satyajit Bhatkal in Zokkomon. With which did you enjoy working the most?
I did my first film with Aamir-sir,it was a learning experience. He used to play Uno with me. Priyan-sir was quick at his job. He would explain the scene very easily to me and hence we finished the shoot within a month.

On the sets whenever I used to be on the Play Station Portable,he would ask me about it. I taught him how to play the gaming console. And working with Satyajit-sir was also fun. During night shifts,just to keep me awake,he would entertain me by cracking jokes and making funny faces. So all the directors I have worked with taught me a lot. They were super friendly.

What are the other things that interest you apart from acting?
I like swimming. I play cricket and football. I even play street football with my friends in a lane near my house. But acting is my passion and being in front of the camera is something I have loved since childhood. I would make faces,enact scenes and even dance in front of camera.

Are you treated as a star-kid in school?
No,I am treated as a normal kid. My friends keep me grounded. I manage my studies on the sets. During breaks,I sit with my teacher who comes on the sets to teach me so I always end up scoring above-average marks.

What is your favourite subject in school?
I like studying History. It is fun to learn about the past and how people lived without technology. Studying about the World Wars also excites me. I have just completed learning about World War II.