Bollywood is replete with tales that can sound more like movie plots than actual events. One is reported to have unfolded on the sets of Dil Dhadakne Do, where two acting heavyweights, Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra, allegedly engaged in a friendly but intense argument. The subject of their debate? Actor Darshan Kumaar.
Now, this isn’t your usual tale of rivalry between leading ladies. Instead, it’s an interesting reminder of how perspectives about people, especially in the film industry, can differ drastically depending on personal experiences.
The Argument on Set
According to Darshan himself, who later spoke about this in an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Anushka and Priyanka ended up discussing him during a shoot. Priyanka, who had worked with him in Mary Kom (2014), had nothing but praise. She described Darshan as “sweet, hardworking, and a good actor.”
But Anushka, who shared the screen with him in the gritty thriller NH10 (2015), had a very different take. She was surprised by Priyanka’s words and retorted, “Kahan? I haven’t seen a ruder person than him.”
The two actresses, each with their own experiences, found themselves in a mini tug-of-war over Darshan’s real personality.
What Was Really Happening
From the outside, this could easily be mistaken for a clash of egos. During the shoot of NH10, he was deeply immersed in his role as Satbir, a menacing and hostile character. In staying true to his method-acting process, he barely interacted with Anushka off-camera.
“I never greeted Anushka. I introduced myself to her only after the climax. It was part of my process,” Darshan revealed. Naturally, Anushka, unaware of this approach, assumed he had an attitude problem. She even joked to someone, saying, “Climax mein ise ache se rod maarungi” (I’ll give him a good whack in the climax scene).
But things shifted later. When Anushka finally met Darshan during the film’s promotions in Delhi, she discovered a very different side of him—polite, humble, and warm. The first reaction of “rude” gave way to seeing him as actually sweet.
A Tale of Perception
What makes this story so interesting is the manner in which it speaks about how important perception is. Priyanka’s experience on the shoot of Mary Kom, a film full of determination and emotional resilience, familiarized her with a conscientious co-star who supported her journey. Anushka, on the other hand, only saw the stern, silent side of Darshan, which was shaped entirely by his commitment to his role.
Neither was completely wrong. Both were simply reacting to different versions of the same man.
Darshan’s Journey in Cinema
Born in New Delhi on March 20, 1995, Darshan Kumaar’s career didn’t start with big films. He initially made an impression on the small screen, with iconic turns in serials such as Chotti Bahu and Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev. His foray into films began with Mary Kom, in which he was Priyanka Chopra’s supportive spouse.
But it was NH10, against Anushka Sharma, that offered him an opportunity to delve into a darker, more nuanced part. Subsequently, his work on The Kashmir Files (2022) solidified his position as an actor who could carry complicated, emotionally demanding roles.
Darshan also found his niche in the OTT universe with The Family Man, in which he played Major Sameer, a character that enhanced his growing range. With Season 3 of the hit show looming on the horizon, fans are waiting with bated breath to see more of his skill.
He was last spotted in The Bengal Files, where he continues his track record of chasing difficult and socially important stories.
More than a Simple Anecdote
The Anushka-Priyanka fight for Darshan is a little inconsequential petite tale in the backstage treasure chest of Bollywood, but it says something underneath: how easily we judge others without always knowing what’s going on.
Anushka observed a co-star who seemed aloof, while Priyanka observed a peer who was respectful and hardworking. Both of them were correct in their own right. And Darshan’s explanation provides us with an insight into how actors tend to mix up reel and real in working towards authenticity.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, what comes through is Darshan Kumaar’s grit and dedication to his work. From being misjudged as “rude” to being termed as “sweet,” his journey is a testament that actors tend to take their characters along with them, even in real life.
And maybe, just maybe, this small argument between Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma is not one of disagreement at all, but of the loveliness of varied perceptions. In a world as diverse as cinema, no one telling of a tale can ever be the complete truth.