Darshan

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. The son of actor Thoogudeepa Srinivas, Darshan began his acting career appearing in soap operas and in bit roles in films starting in the mid-1990s. His first film in a lead role came in the 2001 film Majestic. Known for his portrayal of "larger-than-life" and "mass roles", Darshan starred in commercially successful films such as Kariya (2003), Namma Preethiya Ramu (2003), Kalasipalya (2005), Gaja (2008), Saarathi (2011) and Bulbul (2013). His performances in Anatharu (2007), Saarathi and Sangolli Rayanna (2012) won him praise from critics; his performance in the latter as the 19th-century warrior Sangolli Rayanna won him the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor. In 2017, he was honoured for his "contribution to Karnataka's art and culture" in the British Parliament, and was the fourth Indian and first South Indian actor to receive the honour. One of the leading contemporary actors of Kannada cinema, Darshan has forayed into film production and distribution. He established the 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.