Reel Fame, Real Restrictions: Childhood in the Shadow of Stardom

Darsheel Safary, the beloved face of Ishaan Awasthi in 2007's Taare Zameen Par, spoke recently about the blinding fame that followed the movie's release—and how it altered his childhood in ways he could never have imagined. Currently promoting his new venture Gamerlog, Darsheel revealed what it was like to survive sudden fame at the tender age of 10.

Flashback to Fame

Darsheel recalled how, days after the film was released, he could not even walk to his school canteen without being swarmed by students

The scrutiny was so high that his school principal instructed him to be absent from school for a brief period

Even simple activities such as purchasing vegetables or playing cricket were impossible without disguises such as sunglasses and caps

Changing Chaos to Character

At first resistant to the loss of normalcy, Darsheel acknowledged he had trouble with the rules fame brought

Over time, he grew to embrace public interaction, and he found emotional depth in speaking with strangers

These experiences, he added, enriched his craft and made him a better actor and human being

Current Chapter: Gamerlog and Beyond

Darsheel is featured in Gamerlog, a science fiction foray into virtual existence and identity

He still leaves his mark in business without relying on past fame or celebrity contacts

Sources: Moneycontrol, BollywoodShaadis, Times of India, Mashable India, MSN News