Dream to be paired opposite Priyanka in 'Mary Kom': Darshan

Mumbai: 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 reporters.

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.