Newcomer Darshan Kumar who is making Bollywood debut opposite actress Priyanka Chopra in 'Mary Kom', says it is a dream come true moment for him.
In the biopic on Olympic bronze medalist and five-time World Champion Mary Kom, Priyanka is playing the title role, while Darshan will essay the role of her husband K Onler Kom.
"To be part of a huge film like 'Mary Kom', it is a dream come true moment for me. Getting launched by Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a big thing. This is my first film release as a lead and I bagged the role after lot of auditions," Darshan told PTI in an interview here.
He is also working with actress Anushka Sharma in her home production film 'NH10'.
"To be working with actresses like Priyanka and Anushka in the beginning of the career is a dream. Both are talented and I learnt a lot from them," he said.
The actor said his roles in both the films are different. "In 'Mary Kom', I play Priyanka's husband who is encouraging and is the pillar of strength in Mary's life, while in 'NH10' my character has a bit of grey shade," he said.
He described the two leading ladies of Bollywood as 'hardworking' and 'inspiring'.
"She (Priyanka) is a very talented actress and a singer. She helped me a lot with my scenes and used to rehearse with me. Anushka is spontaneous and a down to earth person," Darshan said.
A Jat from New Delhi, Darshan moved to Mumbai when he was 24-year-old. He joined Neena Gupta's theatre group and later moved to Motley Productions where he learnt a lot about acting from the veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah.
Darshan said his experience in theatre helped him for preparing for his role in 'Mary Kom'.
"I did not get a chance to meet Mary's husband. It was Priyanka and our director who helped me prepare for my role by giving information about K Onler Kom. I built my character based on the information we had," he said.
Directed by debutante Omung Kumar, 'Mary Kom' will hit theatres on September 5.
