Women more powerful than men: Actor Darshan Kumaar

Mumbai, April 6 (IANS) Actor Darshan Kumaar, who has played pivotal roles in women-centric films like "Mary Kom", "NH10" and "Sarbjit", has no qualms in saying that women are more powerful than men.

While asked about his experience of working in female-oriented films, Darshan told IANS here: "I think women are more powerful than men in many ways. I am a 'jat' and in my community, women are very strong physically and mentally as well.

"When I look at the films that I worked in, analysing those characters makes me believe that the amount of courage and strength that women have, can overpower a man. Once they choose their goal, they are unstoppable."

The actor, who will soon be seen opposite Pia Bajpai in the forthcoming film "Mirza Juliet", said: "In this film also, the female character is strong and quite outspoken and strong headed. It is good to see how in our cinema, women are projected in an inspirational manner."

Born and brought up in Delhi, Darshan had a long career in theatre before entering Bollywood with the film "Mary Kom" in 2014. According to him, theatre prepares a person to become a better actor.

As he has been working with Motley Theatre Group for almost a decade, he got a live lesson in method acting from veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah.

"Sir taught me how not to act, but live with the character. I think that is very important for an actor to be convinced when you are playing a character, and instead of acting it superficially, understanding the psyche (of the character) makes you act the character better.

"I think I am very fortunate to work and learn under the guidance of Naseeruddin sir," Darshan said.

Even as a talented actor, Darshan went through a rough phase of struggle.

Asked if favouritism in the industry bothers him, he said: "Who does not help their friends and family first over a stranger? Even we do it in our daily life, so what is the point of complaining about that? As long as I am getting an opportunity to prove my talent, I have no complaints."

"Mirza Juliet" is releasing on Friday.