Darshan Jariwala Wiki, Height, Age, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More

Darshan Jariwala was born on Monday, 29 September 1958 (age 65 years; as of 2023) in Bombay (now Mumbai). His zodiac sign is Libra. Darshan grew up in a Gujarati household. After completing his schooling, he pursued a bachelor’s degree. He began acting during his college days and did professional theatre. Later, he studied chartered accountancy to become a CA. ^[1]Mumbai Theatre Guide

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″

Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family

Parents & Siblings

Darshan Jariwala’s mother, Leela Jariwala, was a Gujarati actress, who died in 1995. His father’s name is Vidyasagar Jariwala.

Wife & Children

In 1980, Darshan Jariwala got married to television actress Apara Mehta. In 1981, the couple remarried as their families wanted a glorious wedding ceremony. They have a daughter named Khushali Mehta. Since 2003, Darshan and Apara have been living apart.

Relationships/Affairs

Reportedly, Darshan has been in a relationship with actress Anahita Jahanbaksh since 2010.

Career

Film

Hindi

Darshan Jariwala made his acting debut with the film ‘Style’ (2001) in which he played the role of ‘Principal Sardesai.’

Later, he appeared in the films ‘Paagalpan’ (2001) and ‘Xcuse Me’ (2003). In 2007, he portrayed ‘Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’ in the film ‘Gandhi, My Father’ (2007), which received a lot of appreciation from the audience. In an interview, he talked about the body transformation he went through to play Gandhi. He not only focused on reducing his physical weight but also his mental burden. He said,

I underwent immense physical and mental training. I followed a rigorous diet regime and lost oodles of weight. I had to exercise, not merely to get rid of my physical weight, but also the mental baggage that I, as an actor, had accumulated over a period of time.” ^[2]Rediff.com

Poster of the film ‘Gandhi, My Father’ (2007) starring Darshan Jariwala

In 2007, he played the role of ‘Guru Makarand’ in the film ‘Aaja Nachle,’ ‘Ram Prasad’ in the film ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.,’ and ‘Anand Patekar’ in the film ‘Guru.’ His role as ‘Shiv Shankar Sharma’ in the Bollywood film ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’ (2009) was well received.

 

Later, he appeared in many films including ‘Raajneeti’ (2010), ‘Ajab Gazabb Love’ (2012), ‘Phata Poster Nikla Hero’ (2013), ‘Humshakals’ (2014), ‘Ek Tha Hero’ (2016), and ‘Radhe’ (2021).

Gujarati

In 2014, Jariwala made his Gujarati film debut with ‘Bey Yaar’ in which he played the role of ‘Jeetubhai Bhatt.’

Later, he appeared in films like ‘Oxygen’ (2018), ‘Aum Mangalam Singlem’ (2022), and ‘Shubh Yatra’ (2023).

Television

Darshan made his television debut with the serial ‘Kya Baat Hai’ (1997) in which he played the role of ‘Ram Dayal Mehta.’ He gained popularity for his role as ‘Cheddilal Chaturvedi’ in the television show ‘Saas Bina Sasural’ (2010), which aired on Sony TV.

Subsequently, he appeared in many serials like ‘Adaalat’ (2012), ‘Muh Boli Shaadi’ (2015), ‘Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani’ (2015), ‘The Good Karma Hospital’ (2017), and ‘Sargam Ki Sadhe Satii’ (2021).

Plays

Darshan has acted in various plays in multiple languages. He has acted in Gujarati plays like ‘Hatheli Par BaadBaaki,’ ‘Patro Mitro,’ ‘Mulraj Mansion,’ and ‘Andhalo Pato.’ In 1996, he acted in his first English-language play, ‘A Suitable Bride,’ in which he played six roles. ^[3]Mumbai Theatre Guide Later, he appeared in English plays including ‘Going Solo 2,’ ‘Laughing Wide,’ ’30 Days In September,’ and ‘Bombay Talkies. He has performed in a Hindi play called ‘Uncle Samjha Karo.’

Web Series

In 2016, he appeared in a web series titled ‘Permanent Roommates Season 2’ in which he played the role of ‘Mohanlal Chaudhary.’ He played the role of ‘Dara Irani in the ZEE5 Original web series ‘Akoori’ (2018).

Awards

• In 2007, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as ‘Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’ in the film ‘Gandhi, My Father’ (2007). ^[4]The Times of India

• In 2010, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Star Guild Awards for the film ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani’ (2009).

• In 2012, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Indian Telly Jury Awards for his role as ‘Cheddilal Chaturvedi’ in the serial ‘Saas Bina Sasural’ (2010).

Facts/Trivia

• Darshan Jariwala owns a production house called Leela Productions, which has produced an English play named ‘Your Place or Mine?’ and co-produced another English play named ‘Salt & Pepper.’

• At the age of 15, Darshan was honoured with a cheque presented by the Government of Gujarat for his performance as ‘Lion’ in the play ‘Androcles And The Lion.’ ^[5]Mumbai Theatre Guide

• In an interview, Darshan said that director Feroz Abbas Khan approached him to play the role of ‘Gandhi’ in the famous play Mahatma vs. Gandhi. However, he had to let go of the offer due to his prior commitments. He said,
  

  Gandhi My Father happened in a curious way. Feroz Abbas Khan (director, veteran theatre personality) had approached me for Gandhi’s role in his famous play Mahatma v/s Gandhi. I was his first choice. Unfortunately, I was preoccupied with other business interests then, and it was my misfortune that I couldn’t do it. So here I am, playing Gandhi in his directorial debut.” ^[6]Rediff.com

• In 2010, he acted in a Tamil film titled ‘Paiyaa’ in which he appeared as Charulatha’s uncle.

• He appeared in a short video called ‘Savage Dad vs. Savage Son’ (2021) on YouTube.