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 was raised 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. Alongside, he focused on completing his education and went on to become a CA.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 10″
Weight (approx.): 60 kg
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.
Darshan Jariwala’s mother Leela Jariwala
Wife & Children
In 1980, Darshan Jariwala got married to a television actress Apara Mehta. Later 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 because of their personal reasons.
Darshan Jariwala with Apara Mehta
Darshan Jariwala’s daughter (left)
Relationships/Affairs
Reportedly, Darshan has been in a relationship with Anahita Jahanbaksh since 2010.
Darshan Jariwala (extreme left) with Anahita Jahanbaksh (right)
Career
Film
Hindi
Darshan Jariwala made his acting debut with the film ‘Style’ (2001) in which he played the role of ‘Principal Sardesai.’
Poster of the film ‘Style’ (2001)
Soon after, he appeared in the films like ‘Paagalpan’ (2001) and ‘Xcuse Me’ (2003). In 2007, he played the promising role of ‘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.”
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 hit film ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’ (2009) was well received.
Later, he appeared in 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 acting debut with the Gujarati film ‘Bey Yaar’ in which he played the role of ‘Jeetubhai Bhatt.’
Poster of the film ‘Bey Yaar’ (2014), starring Darshan Jariwala
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.
Poster of the serial ‘Saas Bina Sasural’ (2010) starring Darshan Jariwala
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 called ‘A Suitable Bride,’ in which he played six roles. 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 called ‘Akoori’ (2018).
Poster of the web series ‘Akoori’ (2018) starring Darshan Jariwala