Darshan: From reel hero to real villain?

New Delhi: Kannada film star Darshan gets bail

Kannada actor Darshan fell sick in jail, perhaps worried about his career going downhill after his alleged assault on his wife became public knowledge.

But the second highest paid actor in the Kannada film industry is in for a sweet surprise.

A month in jail and several media reports later producers are lining up at his house, waiting to sign him for their films. And if that seems scripted, the ending seems to get happier for the actor as his wife Vijayalakshmi, who is recouping from injuries, seems to be getting back to him.

It is a small wonder then that the "challenging star" of the Kannada film industry wants to thank his lucky stars.

Out on bail, Darshan will first head to Tirupati -- not because he was granted bail but because film producers are waiting to sign him up after his stint in jail for allegedly beating up his wife.

In fact, soon after news spread that the Karnataka High Court granted Darshan a conditional bail, as many as five producers lined up at the court, waiting to pay a bond of Rs 25,000 on behalf of the actor.

"Who says his image has been damaged. In fact it has only become better!'' Kannada film producer B. Mahadeva said.

Darshan's latest film Sarathi too has turned out to be a big hit. His other film Chingari will release in November.

The actor has his hands full and has two new offers besides four films that are already in the pipeline. This includes Sangolli Rayanna, a period film being made with the highest budget ever in Kannada films.

However, the director of the film, Naganna, says that Darshan gets this unusual support because of his discipline as an actor.

Ironically, the film also stars his 'lover', actress Nikita Thukral.

"Sangolli is a historical film, Darshan's make up alone would take two to three hours. But he woke up at 4 am each day. That is the level of commitment and discipline the man has," Naganna says.

Hardworking or not, the Darshan Saga has exposed the sexist nature of the Kannada film industry.

The Kalasipalya star was arrested on September 9 after he allegedly pulled a gun on his wife, Vijayalakshmi. And while earlier actress Nikita was banned from acting because of her alleged affair with Darshan, now it seems that the case of assault against his wife has become a catalyst for the actor's publicity.

It is said that during his one month in jail, Darshan has lost about six kgs. And now it looks like it would perhaps help him look in shape for his next film Viraat where he romances three heroines.