Darshan | |
---|---|
Born |
Hemanth Kumar 16 February 1977 Ponnampet, Kodagu, Karnataka, India |
Other names | Darshan Thoogudeepa |
Occupation | Actor, film producer, distributor |
Years active | 2001–present |
Spouse(s) | Vijaya Lakshmi (m. 2000) |
Children | 1 |
Parent(s) |
|
Relatives | Dinakar (brother) |
Darshan (born 16 February 1977), also known as Darshan Thoogudeepa, is an Indian film actor, producer and distributor who works predominantly in the Kannada film industry. He is the son of veteran Kannada actor Thoogudeepa Srinivas. Darshan initially worked in trivial roles in few films and television shows, later made his debut in a lead role in 2001 film, Majestic, and has since then starred in many commercial and critical hit films such as Kariya (2003), Namma Preethiya Ramu (2003), Kalasipalya (2005), Gaja (2008 film) Saarathi (2011), 'Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012), Bulbul (2013) .
After working behind the camera as an assistant cameraman and in small roles, he received his break in 2001 super-hit Majestic which marked the beginning of his successful career. After earning stability and fame in his acting career he forayed into film production and distribution. He established his own production house Thoogudeepa Productions in 2006, which has since been a successful commercial venture. Its first production was Jothe Jotheyali with Darshan in a special appearance. An avid animal lover, he is well known for his strong passion for pets, wild animals and owns a private stud in his farmhouse in the far east of Mysuru city.
Darshan was born to actor Thoogudeepa Srinivas and Meena on 16 February 1977 in Ponnampet, Kodagu district, in the Indian state of Karnataka.Thoogudeepa is a 1966 Kannada film in which Srinivas acted and gained fame following which the sobriquet stuck to his name. His father often played the roles of menacing villains in Kannada Cinema. Despite so, Darshan never had it easy since his father was reluctant towards the entry of Darshan into films. Against his wishes, Darshan got himself enrolled in Ninasam, a theatre training institute, in Shimoga, prior to his father's passing in 1995.