Birth Date:29 September 1958
About Me
Darshan Jariwala Biography: The Theatre Legend Who Became Bollywood’s Favorite Father!
A veteran of stage, screen, and television, Darshan Jariwala is one of India's most respected character actors. Known for his technical precision and the ability to disappear into a role, he has spent over three decades building a filmography that bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood blockbusters and critically acclaimed independent cinema.
Darshan Jariwala Biography: A Legacy of Art
Darshan Jariwala was born on September 29, 1958, in Bombay (now Mumbai). Acting is in his blood; he is the son of the legendary Gujarati actress Leela Jariwala and Vidyasagar Jariwala.
Personal Profile:
• Education: Growing up in the heart of the Indian film industry, Darshan developed a deep academic and practical understanding of theatre early on.
• Theatre Roots: Before becoming a household name on TV, he was a giant in the Gujarati theatre circuit, owning Leela Productions. His plays like Hatheli Par BaadBaaki and Andhalo Pato are considered cult classics in regional theatre.
• Family: He married fellow veteran actress Apara Mehta (famous for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) in 1982. Although they have lived separately since 2003, they maintain a professional bond and have one daughter.
• International Recognition: His portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in the 2007 film Gandhi, My Father put him on the global map, earning him high praise from international critics for his nuanced take on the historical figure.
Filmography: The Master of Supporting Roles
Jariwala’s career is defined by his versatility, moving effortlessly from high-comedy roles to intense dramatic performances.
The Career-Defining Milestone
• Gandhi, My Father (2007): In what is widely considered his "magnum opus," Darshan played Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, a testament to his ability to humanize a global icon.
Notable Bollywood Blockbusters
• Guru (2007): Played Anand Patekar in Mani Ratnam's acclaimed drama.
• Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. (2007): Showcased his comedic timing as Ram Prasad.
• Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009): Played Ranbir Kapoor’s father, Shiv Shankar Sharma, a role that remains a fan favorite for its humor.
• Raajneeti (2010): A gritty political turn as Ramnath Rai.
• Kahaani (2012): Played Colonel Pratap Bajpayee in the National Award-winning thriller.
Television & Web Series
• Narsinh Mehta: His portrayal of the saint-poet remains one of the most remembered performances in Gujarati television history.
• Saas Bina Sasural (2010–2012): Became a household name across India as Chedilal Chaturvedi.
• Akoori (2018) & Permanent Roommates: His transition to web series was seamless, playing complex, modern patriarchs for digital audiences.
Recent & 2026 Releases
• Ek Kori Prem Katha (2024): A social drama exploring traditional customs.
• Sector 36 (2024): A gritty crime thriller where he played a key investigative role.
• Gabru (May 5, 2026): His latest high-profile Hindi film, expected to showcase a more contemporary, character-driven side of his acting.
5 Interesting Facts About Darshan Jariwala
1. The "Second Choice" Gandhi: Director Feroz Abbas Khan originally wanted Darshan for his play Mahatma v/s Gandhi, but dates didn't work. Khan was so determined to cast him that he waited years to secure him for the film version.
2. Multilingual Performer: He is equally proficient in Hindi, Gujarati, and English theatre, often performing the same play in multiple languages to reach diverse audiences.
3. Theatre Entrepreneur: Beyond acting, he has a deep interest in the business of art, managing his own production house to promote experimental Gujarati plays.
4. CINTAA Leadership: He has been a prominent voice for artist rights, previously serving in leadership roles for the Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA).
5. A "Director's Actor": He is known in the industry for his "no-ego" approach, often taking small but impactful roles if the script is strong, such as his cameos in Radhe (2021) and Hello Charlie (2021).
Quick Highlights
• Birthday: September 29.
• Major Award: National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor (Gandhi, My Father).
• 2026 Release: Gabru.
• Key Strength: Impeccable dialogue delivery and authentic character immersion.
Darshan Jariwala's films' availability: You can watch Darshan Jariwala's films on B4U Movies Channels of India, UK, USA, Canada, and UAE. You can check country-specific schedule pages here.
- B4U Movies India
- B4U Kadak India
- B4U Movies UK
- B4U Movies USA
- B4U Movies Canada
- B4U Plus UAE
